D-Backs southpaw A.J. Puk has been recognized with a flexor pressure, stories Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. He’ll stay shut down from throwing for 2-3 weeks earlier than going for reevaluation. Thankfully, the crew doesn’t imagine the harm would require surgical procedure.
It’s reasonably encouraging information after final week’s revelation that Puk was looking for a number of opinions on his elbow harm. He went on the 15-day injured checklist on April 19 and virtually instantly went for imaging. That clearly raised the opportunity of surgical procedure, however it appears he’ll keep away from the worst-case state of affairs.
That mentioned, he’s clearly going to be out for an prolonged stretch. Puk is not going to resume throwing till the center of Might on the earliest. He’ll absolutely require a multi-week construct from there. He received’t be again on an MLB mound earlier than June, and there’d appear to be an honest likelihood he’s out past the All-Star Break. Puk has a earlier Tommy John process on his medical chart. He underwent the surgical procedure whereas he was a prospect within the A’s system again in 2018.
Acquired from Miami ultimately yr’s deadline, Puk has been sensible for the Diamondbacks. He posted a 1.32 ERA with 43 strikeouts in simply 27 1/3 innings down the stretch. He’d reeled off one other eight frames of three-run ball with 12 punchouts this season. He recorded 4 saves and two holds with out surrendering a lead over the primary three weeks.
Puk’s absence places higher strain on Justin Martinez to cement himself as Torey Lovullo’s high late-game weapon. The fireballer has labored 10 innings of two-run ball with 11 punchouts and an enormous 61.9% grounder price. Shelby Miller, Kevin Ginkel, Jalen Beeks and Ryan Thompson are among the many setup group.
