The Miami Marlins have decided to move left-hander A.J. Puk back to the bullpen when he returns from the injured list, according to manager Skip Schumaker. Puk was initially placed in the rotation to start the season, but struggled mightily in his first four outings, allowing 14 earned runs over 13 2/3 innings. He struck out 12 batters but also issued 17 walks, leading to his placement on the IL with shoulder fatigue.
The Marlins’ decision to move Puk to the bullpen is not entirely surprising, given his recent struggles and injury history. Puk, once a highly-touted prospect in the Oakland Athletics’ system, underwent shoulder surgery in 2020 and has also dealt with a strained left biceps and nerve irritation in his left elbow. The A’s moved Puk to a relief role in 2022, where he found success, posting a 3.12 ERA and striking out 27% of batters faced in 66 1/3 innings.
The Marlins acquired Puk from the A’s in a trade for JJ Bleday prior to the 2023 season, and he continued to pitch well out of the bullpen in Miami, with a 3.97 ERA and a 32.2% strikeout rate. Given his success as a reliever over the past two years, it’s understandable why the Marlins thought Puk could handle a move back to the rotation. However, his poor results and shoulder injury appear to have convinced the team to abandon that experiment, at least for now.
The Marlins’ rotation has been depleted by injuries and trades this season. Pablo López and Jake Eder were traded away, while Sandy Alcántara is recovering from Tommy John surgery. Eury Pérez also underwent Tommy John surgery, while Edward Cabrera and Braxton Garrett have battled less-significant injuries.
With Puk returning to the bullpen, the Marlins’ rotation currently consists of Cabrera, Jesús Luzardo, Trevor Rogers, and Ryan Weathers. Sixto Sánchez is scheduled to start Wednesday’s game, but he is unlikely to provide much length, as he has mostly been used in single-inning appearances this season. Braxton Garrett is also nearing a return, and is expected to throw four innings and/or 60 pitches in a Triple-A rehab start on Friday.
