A.J. Puk’s Journey: Inside His Successful Elbow Surgery and What It Means for His Comeback

A.J. Puk, a reliever for the Diamondbacks, underwent elbow surgery, as shared by manager Torey Lovullo on the Burns & Gambo show. Puk had been struggling with elbow soreness and visited Dr. Neal ElAttrache for a closer look. The specifics about whether he needed full Tommy John surgery or a modified procedure weren’t clear. Regardless, his season is over, and he might miss a significant part of 2026 as well.

In addition to Puk’s situation, catcher Gabriel Moreno is dealing with a hairline fracture in his right index finger. Initially thought to be just a bruise, it appears Moreno has been playing with this injury for some time. He’s been placed on the 10-day injured list, and his return could take several weeks. Furthermore, left-hander Tommy Henry is also set for season-ending elbow surgery.

Puk’s injury isn’t surprising, given his recent struggles with elbow problems. He previously had Tommy John surgery in 2018, which sidelined him for a year. Since joining the Diamondbacks from the Marlins, he had been a standout reliever, racking up 43 strikeouts in just over 27 innings with a remarkable 1.32 ERA. However, the upcoming surgery casts uncertainty over his future with the team, especially since he is nearing the end of his arbitration eligibility and may be seen as a non-tender candidate following such a serious injury.

These injuries come at a tough time for the Diamondbacks. Just last week, their top reliever, Justin Martinez, also had surgery. With pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Jordan Montgomery also facing Tommy John issues, the team has been hit hard. Despite having a strong offense, they sit at around .500, struggling to maintain balance on the mound.

Moreno’s absence is a significant blow. Backup catcher Jose Herrera isn’t expected to fill the gap effectively, forcing the team to consider bringing in a more experienced player. They’ve also added Aramis Garcia to support behind the plate. Adrian Del Castillo, another catcher on their roster, is currently sidelined with a minor back injury.

Tommy Henry’s situation is another factor; he has had a rough season and is unlikely to remain on the roster. His elbow injury happened during a game in Triple-A, leading him to the minor league injured list.

Injuries like these highlight the tough realities players face in sports. As teams deal with the fallout, the Diamondbacks must navigate their injuries while staying competitive.



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