Evaluating pitchers returning from elbow surgery is rarely simple, especially early in the rehab process. Still, A.J. Puk’s first appearance back on the mound gave the Arizona Diamondbacks plenty of reason for optimism.

Puk, one of three notable Diamondbacks pitchers to undergo elbow surgery in 2025 alongside Corbin Burnes and Justin Martinez, has consistently been viewed as the most likely to return first. Unlike a traditional Tommy John procedure, Puk underwent an internal brace surgery, a recovery path that typically carries a shorter timetable.

That recovery reached an important milestone on Saturday when Puk made his first rehab appearance in the Arizona Complex League.

The left-hander needed just 10 pitches to retire the side in order, not allowing a baserunner while recording one strikeout. Although the competition level came against rookie-ball hitters, the outing still represented exactly what Arizona hoped to see from an established major-league reliever beginning his rehab progression.

The most encouraging takeaway was the overall effectiveness and ease with which Puk navigated the inning. His fastball velocity, however, has not fully returned to pre-injury levels yet. Reports indicated he worked mostly around 93-94 mph, slightly below the 96-97 mph range he consistently operated at before the injury in 2025.

That difference is not necessarily alarming this early in the process. Velocity often continues building gradually as pitchers accumulate innings and regain comfort in competitive situations after surgery.

Because Puk began his rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League, the Diamondbacks are expected to take a measured approach with his progression. Multiple rehab appearances at different affiliate levels will likely be necessary before he is ready to return to the major league bullpen.

Even so, his first outing served as a positive early sign that the recovery process remains on schedule. Puk officially became eligible to return from the 60-day Injured List on Friday, although the organization is expected to prioritize additional rehab work before activating him.

Arizona’s bullpen would benefit greatly from the return of an effective late-inning left-hander. Before undergoing surgery last season, Puk posted a 3.38 ERA with four saves across eight innings and continued showing the power arsenal that has made him a valuable high-leverage option throughout his career.

If his velocity continues trending upward over the next several rehab outings, then the Diamondbacks could soon regain an important bullpen weapon capable of handling meaningful innings during the second half of the season.

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