Diamondbacks LHP A.J. Puk suffers Arizona’s latest injury setback

The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to struggle getting their pitchers back from long-term injuries, as reliever A.J. Puk is the latest player to have endured a setback in his rehab progress.

Puk’s rehab was paused due to left shoulder discomfort, and he will undergo an MRI, manager Torey Lovullo told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Friday.

AZCentral.com’s Nick Piecoro first reported the update.

Lovullo said Puk will be pulled back for a couple weeks “at least.”

“We’re not exactly sure the extent of it,” Lovullo added.

Puk has not thrown an inning for the Diamondbacks since April 17, 2025. He landed on the injured list with left elbow inflammation, attempted to rehab it but was pulled back from throwing and he opted for surgery in the middle of the season.

The lefty underwent an internal brace procedure in his left elbow as opposed to the full Tommy John surgery.

Puk has made five rehab appearances between the Arizona Complex League and Triple-A Reno Aces with his velocity right where the club had hoped for in the mid-90s mph. It seemed that his return was imminent, but he has not pitched since last Friday.

The Diamondbacks went into the season anticipating the returns of Puk, Corbin Burnes and Justin Martinez off the 60-day IL after elbow surgeries.

Puk and Burnes have since suffered setbacks, as Burnes is dealing with a teres major strain in his right lat that will push a July return target to September.

Arizona’s bullpen has performed admirably in the absence of Puk and Martinez, their two closers. Paul Sewald has handled the closing duties well with 15 saves and one blown save. Since the start of May, Diamondbacks relievers have combined for a 3.30 ERA, which is 10th best in MLB.

At the same time, Puk was set to be a major piece for the unit for the rest of the season, as the big lefty owns a 1.78 ERA in 38 games pitched for the D-backs since the 2024 trade deadline.

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