Snake bites

• Even after Heath Bell blew his fourth save Thursday, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said the right-hander will remain the club's closer. Gibson added that J.J. Putz, who was taken out of the role to straighten certain issues out, is starting to show signs of improvement.

• Still building up his arm strength after being placed on the disabled list on June 1 with right shoulder inflammation, Brandon McCarthy will throw another bullpen session this weekend at Chase Field. Gibson said he doesn't have a timetable for the right-hander's return, but at the earliest, it will be sometime after the All-Star Break.