Post by Fish Troll on Mar 16, 2007 22:48:34 GMT -5
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Mariners closer J.J. Putz, who has been nursing a sore right elbow most of Spring Training, had an MRI on Friday and club officials are anxiously awaiting the results.
Putz, limited to one Cactus League outing, threw 25 pitches -- primarily fastballs -- during a Thursday morning bullpen session at the Peoria Sports Complex and apparently felt fine during and immediately afterwards.
But Mariners manager Mike Hargrove said Putz's arm "tightened up on him a little a bit" after the pitcher returned to the clubhouse.
The 30-year-old replaced Eddie Guardado as the Mariners closer last May 6, and finished with 36 saves in 43 save chances. He led American League relievers with 104 strikeouts in 78 1/3 innings, posting a 3-1 record and 34 saves in 57 appearances following his promotion to the closer's role.
Putz, in uniform for the Mariners' game on Friday afternoon against the visiting Royals, was unavailable for comment.
Putz, limited to one Cactus League outing, threw 25 pitches -- primarily fastballs -- during a Thursday morning bullpen session at the Peoria Sports Complex and apparently felt fine during and immediately afterwards.
But Mariners manager Mike Hargrove said Putz's arm "tightened up on him a little a bit" after the pitcher returned to the clubhouse.
The 30-year-old replaced Eddie Guardado as the Mariners closer last May 6, and finished with 36 saves in 43 save chances. He led American League relievers with 104 strikeouts in 78 1/3 innings, posting a 3-1 record and 34 saves in 57 appearances following his promotion to the closer's role.
Putz, in uniform for the Mariners' game on Friday afternoon against the visiting Royals, was unavailable for comment.
seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070316&content_id=1845859&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea
