MESA, Ariz. — It was a long shot the entire spring, but the A’s made it official — Pitching phenom A.J. Puk will not make the Opening Day roster.
Puk, 22, was among the nine roster cuts announced Sunday morning, trimming the A’s roster to 39 players.
Despite a strong spring in which he appeared to perform like the best pitcher on the roster, Puk’s inexperience ultimately led to him getting sent down to minor league camp. His half season at Double-A last year was the highest level he’s reached in his career.
Puk allowed no earned runs in his first three appearances this spring, but was touched up for four runs in a start against the Mariners Thursday night in which he lasted just 2 2/3 innings.