Puk might be closer to gaining role in ’pen
CHICAGO — With A.J. Puk blowing through hitters at TripleA Las Vegas, how long might it be before the 6foot7 lefty is in Oakland’s bullpen?
The time might be near. Asked about Puk on Friday, A’s manager Bob Melvin suggested he might be a topic of conversation when the team is on what is essentially a twoweek homestand starting Tuesday, with two games at San Francisco kicking things off.
“I think once we get home, who knows?” Melvin said, adding that the front office and medical staff must be comfortable with Puk’s workload and that he might not be able to pitch as often as other relievers. “There are a lot of variables still up in the air — but potentially, we’re getting a lot closer.”
Puk, who struck out the side for the Aviators in a oneinning outing Wednesday, is 17 months removed from Tommy John surgery, so his innings are restricted this year, which is why he’d be working in relief. There’s a history of contenders bringing up top prospects late in the season as relievers — David Price with the Rays in 2008, in particular, and Chris Sale with the White Sox in 2010, though Sale remained in the bullpen the following season, too.
The A’s definitely have a spot where Puk might fit, with lefty reliever WeiChung Wang, who has allowed 10 runs in his past 14 games, stumbling lately. The bullpen in general has been erratic, and Puk has 32 strikeouts in 221⁄3 minorleague innings this year, making him potentially a very attractive option.
Another possibility is looming closer, perhaps in September: Jesús Luzardo, Oakland’s other top pitching prospect, will start for Class A Stockton on Saturday.
Starter Daniel Gossett, also coming back from Tommy John surgery, was scheduled to throw batting practice Friday at Stockton for the first time since his ulnar collateral ligament was replaced, and catcher Josh Phegley (thumb) was to catch Gossett’s bullpen session.
Sean Manaea, whose return from shoulder surgery was briefly interrupted by some side soreness, will throw a bullpen session Saturday at Stockton. And Marco Estrada (back) started Friday for the Ports, allowing three runs and five hits in 22⁄3 innings while throwing 55 pitches.