PHOENIX – It seems like a broken record at this point, but the Arizona Diamondbacks are now dealing with another pitching injury as closer A.J. Puk will receive more imagining done on his elbow after pausing his throwing program.
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Apr 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Arizona D-Backs pitcher A.J. Puk (33) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
When it rains, it pours. The injuries have kept piling on for this team and it isn’t getting any easier now as now another closing pitcher will receive a second opinion.
Apr 2, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Arizona D-Backs relief pitcher A.J. Puk (33) celebrates with catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) after defeating the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo said that, “A.J. Puk has paused his throwing program and will visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles”, per Nick Piecoro of AZ Central/Arizona Republic.
A.J. Puk has paused his throwing program and will visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, manager Torey Lovullo said.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) June 13, 2025
AJ Puk is pulling back his throwing program to get more imaging done on his elbow, per Torey Lovullo.
— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) June 13, 2025
If it’s the worst-case scenario, this will be the third possibility of Tommy John surgery for this D-Backs ball club as newly signed free agent Corbin Burns will undergo surgery and it seems Justin Martinez is headed that way as well.
Arizona D-Backs left-hander A.J. Puk (33) reacts after closing out their 10-6 win against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field in Phoenix on Sunday, March 30, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
A.J. Puk has only pitched 8 innings of this 2025 season, and he had 12 strikeouts with a 3.38 ERA before his injury occurred. It was during the middle of April when the D-Backs placed Puk on the 15-day IL with a flexor strain. Arizona has remained hopeful that no surgery was going to be required, though receiving a second opinion is never a good sign. Arizona now looks forward as they get set to take on the San Diego Padres this afternoon at Chase Field and get their fifth win in a row.
D-Backs shoot for crucial series win on Saturday over San Diego Padres
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
