RADIO
A.J. Puk 2020 Outlook: Massive Ceiling if Healthy, Stretched Out
5 years agoPuk made a triumphant return from Tommy John surgery in 2019 and reached the Majors late in the season — albeit in the bullpen. The young hurler should move back to his natural starting role in 2020 while looking to further build up arm strength and durability. The A’s starting rotation lacks depth so the club will likely need to rely heavily on both Puk and fellow rookie starter Jesus Luzardo in the coming year. When healthy, Puk is an absolute beast on the mound at 6-foot-7. He has long limbs that make his pitches look even faster. Prior to the injury, he showed four pitches with the potential to develop into above-average or plus offerings. The injury didn’t sap any of his fastball velocity as he was sitting around 97 mph during his brief MLB trial. Puk’s control and command had not fully returned post-surgery as of last season but he has the potential to be better-than-average in both of those areas. The 2019 return was encouraging but some risk remains with this talented young hurler until we see how he responds to taking the ball every fifth day. There is No. 1 or 2 starter upside here.
