DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: NL West - Bell getting first chance to replace Putz in Arizona

Arizona Diamondbacks

J.J. Putz (RHP, ARI) has been placed on the disabled list with a sprained UCL, and will be shut down for a couple of weeks. While it's not clear how much time he will miss, it certainly won't be a short stint.

Heath Bell (RHP, ARI), who closed out games on back to back nights against the Dodgers, will get the first chance to close while Putz is sidelined. Bell's skills were rather pedestrian in 2011-12, and his struggles cost him the closer role in Miami last season. He started off poorly this year as well, allowing four earned runs in 2 1/3 innings in his first three appearances. He has since righted the ship, allowing just three runs in 12 innings, while posting a 17:2 K:BB ratio. That sample is clearly too small...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

This week's NL West column takes a close look at 2 prospects from each team who will likely play in the majors this year.
Mar 21 2026 3:06am
If JJ Wetherholt can't hang on to the leadoff spot who steps up in St. Louis?
Mar 20 2026 3:07am
Has White Sox prospect Sam Antonacci raised his profile by playing for Team Italy in the WBC? Plus, updates on the CLE rotation, Jace Jung's good spring in DET, lack of SP depth in KC, and Bailey Ober's velocity concerns in MIN.
Mar 19 2026 3:05am
As spring training comes to an end, the A's rotation appears to be rounding into form.
Mar 18 2026 3:07am
First base in Miami has been a hard position to rule for years, but a few players are vying for the crown. Plus: Riley in ATL; RF at NYM; CF in PHI; Littell in WAS; more.
Mar 17 2026 3:07am

Tools