JJ Putz injury: Diamondbacks closer will not need surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks closer J.J. Putz will not require elbow surgery after injuring his arm and coming out of Tuesday's game early. Instead, the team hopes that rehab will allow him to heal.

Putz, 36, is suffering from multiple inflictions, including a sprained ligament, a strained flexor pronator, and an irritated nerve, according to FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal. ESPN's Buster Olney postulated earlier that Putz would likely need a major surgery saying "at the very least, he'll be out a long time." No official time table on Putz's recovery has been announced.

Putz entered Tuesday's game in the ninth inning protecting a two run lead, but came out after walking the first batter he faced. He was placed on the disabled list the next day, with reliever Will Harris called up from the minors to take his roster spot.

In the meantime, Heath Bell will be the Diamondback's interim closer. Bell, 35, has saved three out of four opportunities he has received this season and has a 4.40 ERA. After Putz left Tuesday's game, Bell pitched a clean inning to collect the save.

Bell was acquired from the Miami Marlins in a three-team trade during the offseason.