PHOENIX — J.J. Putz saw it coming.
The way he had pitched and battled injuries, combined with the struggles his team was having, Putz figured it was just a matter of time before the Diamondbacks cut ties.
They did on Friday, designating their one-time closer for assignment.
"I’m not surprised; I had a feeling something like this was going to happen," Putz said on Friday from Chase Field. "I just didn’t know when. They had to make a decision and this was probably the best one to make. I have nothing bad to say about anybody here."
Putz was a cornerstone to Arizona’s 2011 NL West championship, providing a veteran presence while saving a career-high 45 games in his first season in the desert.
The right-hander saved 32 games in 2012, but his production dipped the past two seasons and he had a couple of health issues, including a stint on the disabled list this season due to forearm stiffness.
The 37-year-old Putz was moved into a setup role in the bullpen when Arizona signed Addison Reed this season and he had some struggles, going 1-1 with a 6.59 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 18 appearances for the last-place Diamondbacks.
Putz has 189 saves in 12 seasons, including 83 in four years with Arizona.
"It was a hard one," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. "I have the utmost respect for J.J."
Putz would like to keep playing. He just needs to find a team that wants him and would be a good fit his family, that lives in Arizona in the off-season.
Arizona has 10 days to trade, waive or release Putz.
"I’m still feeling good, my arm still feels good, so I guess it’s just a holding pattern until we see what the future holds," Putz said.
Arizona recalled outfielder Ender Inciarte from the seven-day concussion disabled list to fill Putz’s spot on the roster. He hit .205 in 34 games with the Diamondbacks this season.
