Struggling Diamondbacks Receive Encouraging News on A.J. Puk
Amid a slew of moves in the final hours of the 2024 trade deadline, the Miami Marlins traded A.J. Puk to the Arizona Diamondbacks for infield prospect Deyvision de los Santos.
In 2018, Puk was the No. 1 prospect for the Oakland Athletics and No. 33 in all of baseball. Since debuting in 2019, Puk hasn't necessarily been a star closer but more a reliable middle reliever.
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Down the stretch for the Diamondbacks, however, Puk pitched to a sterling 1.32 ERA and picked up two saves. In 2025, Puk has pitched to a 3.38 ERA with a team-leading four saves before going down with an elbow injury April 17th.
Following their 8-3 loss against the New York Mets, however, the Diamondbacks provided an optimistic update on the towering left-hander.
Diamondbacks lefty A.J. Puk
It was announced that Puk would be shut down from throwing for two to three weeks due to a flexor strain in his elbow, though the team does not believe he'll need surgery.
Puk went for imaging after being placed on the 15-day injured list on April 19th, which raised alarm for a possible Tommy John surgery. Puk will still be out for an extensive period of time, likely until at least June with the length required to build back up, but for a Diamondbacks team in the throes of a competitive National League West, this news is considered a win.
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Justin Martinez will likely become the closer for the Diamondbacks in Puk's absence. Martinez has a 0.90 ERA in 10 innings this season along with three saves, fueled by an absurd 61.9% ground-ball rate.
Related: Former Yankees Prospect From Jazz Chisholm Trade Makes MLB History
Related: Reds Make Announcement on Former Sonny Gray Trade Piece
Related: Braves Being Rewarded for Alex Verdugo Decision
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