Spring training is finally here, and Cactus League games start Friday. This week, amid news of multiple rebuilding trades that signal the end of one era of Oakland baseball and the beginning of a new one, we also got our first real spring camp update of the year.
One of the most confounding figures over the past couple of seasons has been former 6th-overall draft pick A.J. Puk, who has struggled to just stay on the mound for the better part of his pro career. Tommy John surgery, biceps problems, and repeated shoulder issues have dampened Puk’s star since joining the organization, with many wondering if he’ll be able to even stay healthy as a bullpen arm.