Not good for the Mariners who have a great chance of doing some damage this spring with Lackey and Escobar out in the Angels lineup. Putz hurt hurts this team. Hopefully Loew can do the job for as long as Putz is out, how ever long that will be.Mariners placed RHP J.J. Putz on the 15-day disabled list with mild costochondritis on his right side.
Costochondritis is inflammation where cartilage attaches to a rib. The Mariners said Putz felt discomfort on a pitch to Michael Young in the ninth inning last night and had a precautionary MRI today. They don't have any idea how long he'll be out, but it's an awfully unusual injury that could take more than the minimum 15 days. Mark Lowe is the obvious choice to close in his place, though since the Mariners will want to be careful with him, they might give the odd save chance to Sean Green or Eric O'Flaherty. Brandon Morrow wasn't the choice to replace Putz on the roster and simply isn't an option in the closer's role right now. Lowe should be picked up in all formats.