Oakland A’s: Here we go again with A.J. Puk
By David Hill
Well, at least A.J. Puk made at least one appearance for the Oakland A’s in 2021.
The A’s talented, but oft-injured, prospect was able to find his way back to the majors. However, that time is short lived, as he has been placed on the Injured List with a strained left biceps. Deolis Guerra was called up to take his place.
Today, the A’s placed left-handed pitcher A.J. Puk on the 10-day injured list retroactive to April 7 with a strained left biceps, selected right-handed pitcher Deolis Guerra from their alternate site and transferred right-handed pitcher Trevor Rosenthal to the 60-day IL
— Oakland A's Communications (@AthleticsPR) April 8, 2021
Here we go again with A.J. Puk
Puk’s 2021 debut was everything that his scouting report indicated. He allowed just one hit in his 3.1 shutout innings, striking out four batters, showing his electric stuff. However, he also issued three walks, as his control was a bit erratic during his outing.
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In a way, the fact that Puk even found his way to the majors this season is a bit of a victory. He pitched just 36.2 from 2018 through 2020, missing two of those seasons due to injury. Although he was expected to serve as the A’s fifth starter last season, he never made an appearance due to ongoing shoulder woes.
Puk was again expected to be the A’s fifth starter this season, but had been behind when it came to being stretched out. He had been sent to the A’s alternate site to continue progressing towards a role in the rotation, but had been called up to Oakland to shore up the bullpen. At least he did that for his one outing.
But this furthers the question of whether or not the A’s will be able to trust Puk going forward. In theory, this is not a major injury, but given his track record, it is yet something else for Oakland to keep an eye on, especially considering that Puk was close to being activated last year before being shut down.
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At least A.J. Puk made an appearance for the Oakland A’s this season. However, he has once again been shut down, heading back to the Injured List.