Mariners closer Putz leaves game

Jun 11, 2008 - 9:13 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- Seattle Mariners closer J.J. Putz was forced to leave Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays with what is being described as a sore elbow.

Putz entered the game in the bottom of the ninth inning looking to protect a 2-1 lead that the Mariners captured in the top half of the frame.

However, the righthander was visibly bothered by an elbow injury, shaking his arm a few times en route to issuing a leadoff walk to Joe Inglett.

Putz was then examined on the mound by the team's trainer before being replaced by Brandon Morrow, who came on to get three straight outs for his first career save.

Putz is expected to be day-to-day with the injury.

The fifth overall pick in 2006, Morrow is expected to serve in the role of closer in Putz's absence.