Diamondbacks Bolster Bullpen with Acquisition of A.J. Puk
Phoenix, AZ – In a move to strengthen their bullpen, the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired left-handed reliever A.J. Puk from the Miami Marlins on Thursday night. This marks the first significant trade of a relatively quiet trade deadline season.
To acquire Puk, the Diamondbacks sent slugging infielder Deyvison De Los Santos and center fielder Andrew Pintar to Miami.
Puk, 29, began the season as a starter for the Marlins but transitioned back to relief in mid-May. Since then, he has been dominant, posting a 2.08 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 30⅓ innings. His ability to effectively retire opposing hitters, holding them to a .159/.204/.252 slash line, has made him one of the most formidable relievers in baseball.
The defending National League champion Diamondbacks currently sit one game back of the third wild-card spot with a 53-50 record. Their bullpen has been a point of weakness, ranking last in the league in strikeouts per nine innings (7.39) and 22nd in ERA (4.24). Puk joins a bullpen core that includes closer Paul Sewald, and right-handers Justin Martinez, Ryan Thompson, and Kevin Ginkel, as well as fellow lefty Joe Mantiply.
Arizona's rotation is expected to receive a boost in the coming months with the return of Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez from shoulder injuries.
The Marlins, known to be active sellers ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, have acquired a promising power bat in De Los Santos. Despite spending most of the season in Triple-A, the 21-year-old has showcased impressive power with 28 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A. While his plate discipline needs refinement, his raw power potential is undeniable.
Pintar, a fifth-round draft pick in 2022, has quickly climbed the minor league ranks. Recently promoted to Double-A, he has excelled offensively with a .304/.403/.516 batting line. Originally a middle infielder, Pintar has successfully transitioned to center field and has stolen 18 bases in 19 attempts.
This trade marks a significant step for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season. The Diamondbacks aim to bolster their pitching staff for a playoff push, while the Marlins continue to reshape their roster for the future.
