The Oakland Athletics have placed left-hander A.J. Puk on the 10-day injured list with a shoulder strain, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.
"The fact that we have to put Puk on the (IL) indicates there is a level of concern," manager Bob Melvin said.
The rookie hurler is meeting with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, Slusser notes.
It's not his first brush with a serious injury. Before reaching the majors, Puk missed the 2018 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, which Dr. ElAttrache performed.
A sixth overall pick in 2016, the big southpaw has been highly touted throughout his minor-league career. In his first taste of the majors in 2019, he allowed four runs in 11 1/3 innings (3.18 ERA) while striking out 13. Puk was expected to open this season in Oakland's starting rotation.
His absence is a tough blow for the A's, as fellow rookie Jesus Luzardo is likely starting the season as a reliever while working back from testing positive for COVID-19.
With Puk on the shelf, right-hander Daniel Mengden will move into the rotation temporarily.
