Gibson likes Putz's progress

PHOENIX -- D-backs manger Kirk Gibson said J.J. Putz is throwing the ball better every time he pitches, but he isn't ready to insert the veteran back into the closer's role.

"He's a work in progress right now," Gibson said. "His velocity is good; his splitter is really good; he's keeping the ball down. He's coming along; he has worked well."

Putz missed nearly two months with an elbow injury then blew a save in his second appearance off the disabled list on July 1, prompting Gibson to rearrange his bullpen again while the right-hander figured things out. Since then, Putz has worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings while his velocity has ticked back up to around 93 mph.