It’s been a roller coaster of a week for A.J. Puk.

Just days after turning in the best outing of his Major League career against the Dodgers on Monday, the left-hander was placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to Wednesday) prior to Thursday’s game against the Astros with a strained left biceps. The A’s recalled left-hander Deolis Guerra from their alternate training site to fill Puk’s spot on the roster.

Puk, Oakland’s No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, has had a long battle with injuries. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2018, before returning to have an impressive stint as a reliever with the A's in '19. Then, he didn't pitch in 2021, undergoing left shoulder surgery last September.

“It’s tough,” Oakland manager Bob Melvin said. “He wants to be out there helping his team, like he did the other day, and is a talented guy on top of it. We haven’t been able to use him quite a bit. Hopefully, that happens after this IL stint.”

More injury updates
A’s head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta provided updates on outfielder Chad Pinder (left knee sprain) and right-hander Mike Fiers (lumbar strain), who are both currently on the 10-day IL:

On Pinder: “Chad is currently back home in Oakland for rehab. He’s got a little bit of fluid in the knee that we need to get out of there. Until I can get him strong and stable with the knee, he’ll stay away from baseball activity. He’s going to be week to week. When we get home, I’ll have more info on him.”

On Fiers: “Mike is doing great. He’s gone out and was able to get his innings in on Monday [at the alternate training site] and will get his next appearance there. Mike is just going through his own Spring Training right now to get built up. We haven’t had any setbacks or issues with him, and we’re pretty encouraged with how he’s doing.”