April 30, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed reliever
A.J. Puk (elbow) will not require surgery for his left-elbow flexor strain, according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. Puk will not throw for the next two to three weeks and will resume throwing once he's asymptomatic. It's ultimately good news for the 30-year-old southpaw, but fantasy managers stashing him will still need to remain patient and should expect a lengthy absence. Before his injury, the former sixth overall pick of the Athletics in 2016 out of the University of Florida had a 3.38 ERA (4.45 FIP), a 1.25 WHIP, four saves, 12 strikeouts and two walks in eight innings pitched for the Snakes. When he returns, Puk will re-enter the mix for saves in Arizona alongside
Justin Martinez. In the meantime, Martinez will function as the team's primary closer, which means he should be rostered in all fantasy formats.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
April 24, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher
A.J. Puk (elbow) will likely miss multiple months in a best-case scenario, reports Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. There is no official word yet on a timetable from the Diamondbacks, but Puk is currently awaiting word from two orthopedic doctors on the severity of his elbow injury. Seeking multiple opinions on an elbow injury is never a good sign, and Arizona's bullpen will likely be without Puk for a while. For fantasy purposes, this makes
Justin Martinez a full-time closer who should be rostered in most leagues.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Nick Piecoro
April 22, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed reliever
A.J. Puk (elbow) underwent an MRI exam on Monday on his injured left elbow, which will determine if he'll need to be out longer than 15 days after being placed on the injured list over the weekend with left-elbow inflammation. Puk already has four saves in eight appearances out of the bullpen in his first full season with Arizona, but he'll now be forced to miss at least the next two weeks while his elbow calms down. The 29-year-old southpaw needs to be stashed in an IL spot while he recovers. Right-hander
Justin Martinez should see the majority of save chances for the Snakes while Puk is sidelined, although he was unavailable on Sunday due to a recent heavy workload, which led to
Drey Jameson picking up the save over the Chicago Cubs.
UPDATE: Lovullo said Puk is seeking multiple opinions after his MRI exam on Monday, which is an ominous sign.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
April 19, 2025
The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed left-handed pitcher
A.J. Puk (elbow) on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation. The 29-year-old last appeared in a contest on April 17 and did not show any signs of an injury. Through his first eight innings of the campaign, Puk has posted a 3.38 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP. He has tallied four saves, two holds, and held a 12:2 K:BB. Puk has typically alternated save opportunities with right-hander
Justin Martinez. However, with Puk hitting the injured list, fantasy managers should expect Martinez to be the clear top ninth-inning option in the desert. In addition, this will likely open eighth-inning duties for
Shelby Miller and
Jalen Beeks. Both relievers are viable targets in deeper formats that reward holds.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Arizona Diamondbacks
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