Less than a week after the A's shut down top prospect A.J. Puk with biceps soreness, it appears the young left-hander may have a more serious injury.
According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the A's are concerned Puk might have a ligament issue in his pitching elbow.
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SIGN UP HERE Heyman reports Puk's velocity was noticeably down in his last two spring outings, in the 92-94 mph range, rather than his typical high-90s.
The 22-year-old was the A's most impressive starter in spring training, recording a 3.38 ERA in 10 2/3 innings. Despite being sent to minor league camp Sunday, he was expected to join the big league club at some point this season.
Oakland is already thin at starting pitcher, having lost right-hander Jharel Cotton to Tommy John surgery. The A's will enter the season with a starting rotation of Kendall Graveman, Sean Manaea, Daniel Mengden, Andrew Triggs, and Daniel Gossett.
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