MESA, Ariz. — It appears A’s top pitching prospect A.J. Puk is human after all.
After allowing no earned runs through his first three appearances of the Cactus League, Puk lasted just 2 2/3 innings as he was touched up for four runs on three hits, three walks, and a wild pitch in Thursday’s 6-2 loss to the Mariners. He registered just one strikeout on the night.
While Puk’s fastball reached 97 mph at one point this spring, his fastball velocity dropped to about 90-91 mph after the first inning.
“Maybe we haven’t seen the velocity that he has,” manager Bob Melvin said.