Another season, another A.J. Puk injury.
The Oakland A’s starting rotation has already taken a hit before the season began. Jesus Luzardo had tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the A’s to slot Chris Bassitt into the rotation. On Monday, the A’s rotation took another blow, as fellow prospect A.J. Puk was placed on the injured list.
This time, Puk is dealing with a shoulder strain. However, the issue may be worse than thought, as he is heading to Los Angeles to see Dr. Neil ElAttrache.
Puk has a shoulder strain and is on DL.,
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) July 20, 2020
This injury also requires the A’s to dig further into their rotation depth. For the time being, Daniel Mengden will take Puk’s spot in the rotation, serving as the A’s fifth starter at the start of the season.
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Puk’s shoulder woes are even more troublesome given his injury history. He had been dealing with shoulder problems in spring training and would have started the 2020 campaign on the injured list had the stoppage not taken place. However, Puk had been healthy once summer camp had started, and until Monday, was expected to take his regular turn in the rotation.
There is no questioning his potential. Even with the shoulder woes and his return from Tommy John surgery, Puk was considered a consensus top 60 prospect heading into the season. He showed that potential during his September callup last season, allowing four runs on ten hits and five walks over his 11 innings, striking out 16 batters.
Potential will only carry a player so far. Eventually, they need to prove it on the diamond. Puk has looked good when he has pitched, but he missed all of 2018 and threw a total of just 36.2 innings last season. He needs to show that not only can he live up to his potential, but that he can stay healthy long enough to do so.
A.J. Puk is injured once again. And, once again, the Oakland A’s need to find a way to work around the loss of a pitcher who was expected to be a key part of their rotation.