You Putz!

[love_that_reefer]

Mariners placed RHP J.J. Putz on the 15-day disabled list with mild costochondritis on his right side. Costochondritis is inflammation where cartilage attaches to a rib. The Mariners said Putz felt discomfort on a pitch to Michael Young in the ninth inning last night and had a precautionary MRI today. They don't have any idea how long he'll be out, but it's an awfully unusual injury that could take more than the minimum 15 days. Mark Lowe is the obvious choice to close in his place, though since the Mariners will want to be careful with him, they might give the odd save chance to Sean Green or Eric O'Flaherty. Brandon Morrow wasn't the choice to replace Putz on the roster and simply isn't an option in the closer's role right now. Lowe should be picked up in all formats.

Not good for the Mariners who have a great chance of doing some damage this spring with Lackey and Escobar out in the Angels lineup. Putz hurt hurts this team. Hopefully Loew can do the job for as long as Putz is out, how ever long that will be.

[browntown653]

Putz rescued the Mariners last year but you have to wonder if this affected him when Josh Hamilton took him deep last night.

Huge blow to the Mariners. Now we just need to wait and see if one of these other bullpen pitchers can step up and be effective.

[Porter99]

They said in the press conference that they are going to go by committee for the next couple of weeks. I think Lowe would have the inside track.

[love_that_reefer]

Putz was activated tonight.

[Porter99]

He was pretty dominant in his return. And got a shaving cream pie for his trouble.

Now hopefully the bullpen can fall back into place.