MESA, Ariz. - Those looking forward to seeing the most highly touted of Oakland’s big-name prospects won’t have to wait long: A.J. Puk is scheduled to pitch in Sunday’s game against the Royals at Hohokam Stadium.
The 6-foot-7 left, whom manager Bob Melvin recently compared to Randy Johnson, is likely to get innings three and four, with Daniel Gossett the probable starter. New left-handed reliever Ryan Buchter, who was acquired from Kansas City in January, also is on the list to pitch against the Royals - and right-handed minor-leaguer Heath Fillmyer, who went to Kansas City in the same deal, is on the Royals’ list to pitch that day.