SEATTLE (AP) -The Mariners activated closer J.J. Putz from the 15-day disabled list on Sunday.
Putz had been on the DL since June 12 with a hyperextended pitching elbow. The 31-year-old right-hander, a first-time All-Star last year, has struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness this season.
To make room for Putz on the roster, Seattle optioned left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith to Triple-A Tacoma.
Manager Jim Riggleman talked to Putz in the outfield while throwing long toss three hours before Sunday’s first pitch. He apparently told him what the manager wanted to hear, because after less than a minute of chatting Riggleman walked off and back into the clubhouse. Putz then pitched for a few minutes on flat ground.
Putz is 2-3 with seven saves in 10 chances and a 5.21 ERA. Last season, he had 40 saves and a 1.38 ERA.
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