A.J. Puk A Favorite To Begin Year In The Rotation
9 months agoWith Miami Marlins left-hander Braxton Garrett (shoulder) now likely to open the year on the injured list due to a shoulder issue, it would appear that left-hander A.J. Puk is now the heavy favorite to open the regular season as the team's No. 3 starter. The 28-year-old southpaw has been transitioning from a relief role to a starting role this spring and has had great results, tossing five scoreless Grapefruit League innings while striking out nine and walking three. Puk's fantasy value will probably be limited because of the fact that he hasn't started a game since 2021 or pitched in a starting role full time since 2017, but he'll be intriguing to begin the year nonetheless. He had a career-high 15 saves in 2023 but also lost the closing role midway through the season due to poor performance. Puk's strikeout upside alone makes him interesting in either a starting or relief role for Miami.
Source: Sports Grid - Craig Mish
Source: Sports Grid - Craig Mish