Diamondbacks' A.J. Puk: Stretches throwing program out
Rotowire
Puk (elbow) has stretched his throwing program out to 60 feet, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Puk has been making slow progress in his recovery from left elbow inflammation, and he'll soon expand his throwing program to 90 feet. The left-hander isn't eligible to return from the 60-day injured list until July 1, so he still has plenty of time to ramp up his activity prior to then.
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Diamondbacks' A.J. Puk: Set to begin throwing program
Rotowire
Puk (elbow) is expected to begin a throwing program within the next week, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Puk was placed on the 15-day injured list April 19 with left elbow inflammation before later being transferred to the 60-day IL on May 1. The left-hander isn't eligible to be activated for over a month, but beginning a throwing program will be the first step in his build up to returning to action later on this season.
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Diamondbacks' A.J. Puk: Showing improvement
Rotowire
Manager Torey Lovullo said Thursday that Puk is no longer feeling any symptoms in his left elbow, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Puk has been sidelined since April 19 due to a strained flexor tendon and was then shifted to the 60-day injured list May 1. While he'll still face an extended absence, it's a positive sign that he's no longer feeling significant pain in his elbow.
The Diamondbacks transferred Puk (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Thursday.
The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Jose Castillo, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Reno on Thursday. Puk is dealing with a left flexor strain, and while he will not undergo surgery at this time, he is facing an extended absence. Justin Martinez (shoulder) was also placed on the IL on Thursday, so the Diamondbacks are down their top two relievers and could turn to Ryan Thompson, Shelby Miller and Kevin Ginkel as options to close games.
Puk will not undergo surgery to repair his left elbow flexor strain, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.
Although Puk won't be going under the knife, he's still expected to miss quite a bit of time. The plan is for him to pause all throwing for the next 2-to-3 weeks, at which point the D-backs will re-evaluate him and determine next steps. Justin Martinez will act as Arizona's primary closer while Puk is out.
Puk (elbow) is unlikely to pitch for at least a couple of months, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.
The Diamondbacks have not officially announced a timeline for Puk, who is awaiting word from two orthopedic doctors as to the severity of his elbow injury. However, team officials have spoken as if they are preparing for Puk to be sidelined for a lengthy period, and potentially the rest of the season. His absence will likely solidify Justin Martinez's role as the closer, though Kevin Ginkel (shoulder) is also nearing a return.
Puk was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with left elbow inflammation.
Puk secured his fourth save of the season during his most recent outing against Miami on Thursday, but he appears to have come away from his appearance with elbow troubles. The left-hander will now be sidelined for at least 15 days, though the Diamondbacks will have a better idea of how long his recovery will take once he undergoes an MRI on Monday, per Jody Jackson of Bally Sports Arizona. Justin Martinez will likely become the primary option for saves while Puk is out.
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Diamondbacks' A.J. Puk: Notches save No. 4
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Puk struck out one and allowed a hit during a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Marlins.
Puk was handed a 6-4 lead and managed to escape unscathed after giving up a leadoff double to Griffin Conine. The left-hander has now secured four of Arizona's six saves this season, giving him a slight edge in the closer committee over Justin Martinez, who converted the other two and closed out the seventh inning Thursday. Puk needed 21 pitches to get through the frame and has now thrown 36 pitches over the past two days, which could affect his availability for Friday's series opener versus the Cubs.
Puk picked up the save in Sunday's 5-2 victory over Milwaukee, pitching a scoreless inning with three strikeouts and a walk.
The flamethrowing southpaw required 24 pitches to polish off the Arizona win, as he allowed two baserunners to reach via a walk and a hit-by-pitch. Puk last completed a save April 2, with Justin Martinez, a right-hander, picking up a pair in between. Puk and Martinez are likely set to continue sharing save opportunities based on matchups against opposing lineups.
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Diamondbacks' A.J. Puk: Earns eighth-inning hold
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Puk allowed one hit and struck out one over one inning to earn a hold in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Orioles.
Puk worked around a hit and a stolen base to record his second hold of the season. He entered the eighth inning with two lefties due up and served as the bridge to Justin Martinez, who recorded the save. It was the second straight save situation where Puk worked the eighth and Martinez the ninth. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo still hasn't named a closer and appears to be calling on the lefty Puk or righty Martinez depending on the matchups.
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