J.J. Putz and the Mariners got some good news yesterday when they both found out that his MRI turned out okay and that he just has a sprained elbow. The closer will start his rehab on Tuesday and it’s expected that he’ll be ready for opening day. Putz had a monster season in 2006 and PECOTA expects more of the same in 2007 although they are expecting a slight uptick in his walk rate with a strikeout rate that’s more down to earth. Regardless, having him in the pen will go along way towards the Mariners ending their current playoff drought.