Putz has been named Special Assistant to Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall, MLB.com reports. Putz will shift to a front-office role after 12 seasons in the major leagues, though he will reportedly remain in uniform during spring training to work with some of the organization's young pitchers. Now 37, Putz recorded 189 saves during his career, including 45 in 2011 and 40 in his lone All-Star season in 2007.

Diamondbacks released RHP J.J. Putz. Putz was designated for assignment a week ago and now is officially a free agent. The Diamondbacks are on the hook for the remaining portion of his $7 million salary from this season, so he'll be able to easily find someone willing to give him a prorated portion of the veteran minimum. Putz holds a 6.59 ERA over 18 appearances this season but posted four straight seasons of sub-3.00 ERAs before that.

Diamondbacks designated RHP J.J. Putz for assignment. The former closer missed over a month of action with a forearm issue and hasn't pitched well when healthy, posting a 6.59 ERA over 18 appearances. He'll pass through waivers unclaimed given his $7 million salary, but someone will take a gamble on Putz in hopes that he regain his past form.

Diamondbacks activated RHP J.J. Putz from the 15-day disabled list. Putz had scoreless rehab appearances on Thursday and Friday, clearing the way for his return to the Diamondbacks' bullpen. He'll be used in a setup role.

J.J. Putz (forearm) will "probably" throw a simulated game on Monday before a return date is set, Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. Putz had scoreless rehab appearances on Thursday and Friday. Putz has been on the disabled list since May 5 with forearm tightness, but he appears close to a return. When he does, he'll likely return in a middle relief capacity until he proves worthy of a higher-leverage role.

J.J. Putz (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno on Thursday. He'll make two appearances for Reno before returning to extended spring training for one final tuneup. Assuming all goes well, Putz should be activated from the DL sometime next week. He's been out since early May with forearm tightness.

J.J. Putz (forearm) threw a 24-pitch simulated game Friday. Putz threw all of his pitches in the outing and said he felt good. He should begin a rehab assignment soon and is expected to need several appearances before being activated.

J.J. Putz (forearm) threw a bullpen session Tuesday. He could throw a simulated game on Friday. The veteran reliever would likely be ready for a rehab assignment shortly after that. Putz has been out with a forearm injury since early May but should be ready to rejoin the Diamondbacks' bullpen before long.

J.J. Putz (forearm) played catch Tuesday. Putz was shut down for a week due to mild irritation in his right forearm. There's no timetable for the veteran reliever's return, but he's progressing in the right direction.

An MRI on J.J. Putz's right forearm showed mild irritation. He'll be shut down for 7-10 days before resuming a throwing program. It's not clear whether Putz will require a rehab assignment before rejoining the Diamondbacks' bullpen, but it sounds like he should be back before the end of the month if all goes well.