The Oakland A’s acquired a high-profile left-handed pitcher at the trade deadline this week, and they hope to get another one back from the injured list next week.
Rookie lefty A.J. Puk has missed the entire season so far due to a shoulder strain, after also experiencing trouble with the shoulder during the spring. However, he began throwing bullpen sessions nearly three weeks ago, and has now faced hitters multiple times. He’ll pitch to batters one more time on Friday, and if all goes well he could be activated early next week, reports Susan Slusser of the S.