Pitcher A.J. Puk is working his way back from a Tommy John procedure for Arizona Diamondbacks.
While the Arizona Diamondbacks have gotten off to a solid start this season, they wouldn't mind having a few more arms available.
Pitcher A.J. Puk is working his way back into shape after undergoing Tommy John brace surgery. He's been out of the Diamondbacks' pitching plans since May 2025.
On Tuesday, Puk pitched a bullpen session. He, along with Corbin Burnes, took turns in the bullpen as they are both working to rehab after Tommy John procedures.
"This was about my fourth official bullpen," Puk said, according to MLB.com. "And you know, we're progressing well, recovering well, right now. Excited where my body and arm are at, and looking forward to just continuing."
For Puk, he had a full Tommy John surgery take place when he was with the Miami Marlins back in 2018. He knows what it takes to get back into playing shape, but undergoing a second procedure can prove harrowing.
Now, though, Puk believes that he's taking a more patient, diligent approach to his rehabilitation process.
"This time, either just more maturity-wise, or just kind of knowing how it unfolds, I'm just looking forward to just getting back facing hitters and just hitting those progressions," Puk said.
It's not like Puk hasn't been in Arizona while getting in his work. Puk has spent time at the Diamondbacks' Spring Training facility at Salt River Fields in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Diamondbacks' Injury Updates
While talking about Puk and Burnes getting in some rehab work, let's take a look at how the Diamondbacks' injury report is shaping up at this time. The injury report update comes from the Diamondbacks' MLB.com site.
1B/DH Pavin Smith
Injury: Left elbow inflammation.
IL date: March 30 (Transferred to 60-day IL on April 14).
Expected return: TBD.
Status: Has been hampered by elbow issue throughout the spring. MRI showed inflammation and he had a cortisone shot on March 29. Underwent surgery April 16 to remove loose bodies in elbow. (Last updated: April 17).
C Gabriel Moreno
IL date: April 14 (10-day IL -- retroactive to April 11).
Expected return: Hopeful to return in roughly two weeks.
Status: Originally termed lower back tightness, injury was termed an oblique strain on April 14. (Last updated: April 14).
1B Carlos Santana
IL date: April 7 (10-day IL, retroactive to April 6).
Expected return: TBD.
Status: Exited contest early on April 5. Was checked out by training staff during his lone at-bat, which ended with a single before he was replaced by a pinch-runner. Tests revealed strain in adductor. (Last updated: April 7).
OF Jordan Lawlar
IL date: April 3 (60-day IL).
Expected return: June.
Status: Was hit in the right wrist with a pitch on April 2. X-rays were negative but CT scan taken April 3 showed a fracture. (Last updated: April 4).
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