40 J.J. Putz, RP

Diamondbacks reliever J.J. Putz has a sprained ligament in his elbow, but will not need surgery, according to FoxSports.com.

Putz actually has a myriad of injuries, including a strained flexor pronator and an irritated nerve. Putz will attempt to rehab the injury. While a specific time line has not been mentioned yet, manager Kirk Gibson said the team doesn't expect him back any time soon. Putz will be placed on the disabled list. Heath Bell will be the club's closer while Putz is sidelined. 

The Diamondbacks placed closer J.J. Putz on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday due to an elbow strain. The right-hander has gone back to Phoenix to see Dr. Michael Lee, MLB.com reports.

Heath Bell is expected to see save chances in his absence.

Putz has gone 2-1 with a 4.26 ERA in 14 appearances while converting 5 of 9 save opportunities.

Diamondbacks closer J.J. Putz will undergo further evaluation Wednesday after leaving Tuesday's game against the Dodgers with elbow stiffness.

"We're going to go see the doctor (Wednesday) and go figure out what it is," Putz said after the game, per MLB.com. "I didn't know what it was, and then after it happened two more times, I thought I probably should say something. The hardest thing is just not knowing what it is. I've never felt anything like it before."

Heath Bell replaced Putz and recorded his second save of the season Tuesday. If Putz needs a stint on the disabled list, then Bell thinks the Diamondbacks would go to a two-man closer situation, which would include David Hernandez and himself.

"They brought me in to help out if J.J. needed a day off or if David needed a day off," Bell said. "I mean, you never want to see anybody hurt. But unfortunately, if he has to take some time on the DL, I think myself and David can fill in real nicely."

Diamondbacks closer J.J. Putz left Tuesday's appearance against the Dodgers in the ninth inning with an apparent injury to his right hand. The right-hander came on for the save but could be seen flexing his hand after walking the leadoff batter on four pitches.

Putz was pulled for Heath Bell after trainers and manager Kirk Gibson came to the mound.

Bell ended up stranding the runner on third and earned the save in the 5-3 win.