D-backs exercise 2013 option on closer Putz

The Diamondbacks on Saturday exercised their 2013 option on closer J.J. Putz, an expected move that solidifies the back end of the bullpen heading into next season. The 35-year-old Putz, coming off a career year in 2011, finished the 2012 season with a 2.82 ERA and 32 saves, including 19 straight through the middle of the season. From June 23 through the end of the year, Putz posted a 0.84 ERA, the third-lowest mark among all NL relievers. He did not yield a homer over his final 46 appearances. The bullpen as a whole -- with Brad Ziegler assuming a seventh-inning role and David Hernandez the regular eighth-inning setup man -- posted an all-time franchise-best ERA of 3.24. "J.J. has done a tremendous job for us over the past two seasons and is the leader of our bullpen, said D-backs general manager Kevin Towers. We are looking forward to bringing him back in the same role next season as we continue to look for ways to strengthen the team." Putz is the only reliever in franchise history to record back-to-back 30-save campaign. In 514 career major league games, he has a 3.04 ERA and 183 saves, ranking 11th among active players. Putz has 77 saves in his two seasons with the D-backs, ranking second on the franchise list behind Jose Valverde (98).