Dr. James Andrews recommended that starting pitcher A.J. Puk, the top prospect in the Oakland A's organization, undergo Tommy John surgery, the club announced Tuesday evening.
Puk was first shut down last week with "biceps soreness," according to The San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser citing a league source. FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman reported earlier on Tuesday that the team was concerned that the 22-year-old had ligament damage in his pitching elbow.
Oakland's first-round pick in 2016 (No. 6 overall), Puk turned heads this spring. He recorded a 3.38 ERA in 10 2/3 innings, and was expected to join the A's after starting the year in the minor leagues.
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Puk could become the second A's pitcher this spring to undergo the surgery. Jharel Cotton underwent the surgery on March 21, four days after the A's announced they were shutting him down for the season.
