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When you think of pitcher transitions from bullpen to rotation there are few cases to explore. Perhaps, more notable cases exist with pitchers going from rotation to bullpen after showing that they can be more useful in the pen.
The Miami Marlins have had plenty of these cases in the past and now, they are looking to transition lefty pitcher A.J. Puk from the bullpen to the rotation and he is certainly taking this opportunity and showing his starter stripes. Spring Training is a small show, but according to Marlin's manager Skip Schumaker “The pitch mix just screams front-line starter.”
Skip spoke about the transition and its progress with Stephen Strom and Kyle Sielaff from the Marlins Radio Network and detailed “This is his first time starting and trying to make a rotation which is trending in the right direction to say the least. He looks really good, he is responding well, he is rebounding well.”
Puk has made two starts this spring for the Fish allowing just one hit over five innings while striking out nine batters and walking three. He has shown great progress quickly and can very well earn a spot in the rotation given that Braxton Garrett is out with shoulder issues and will not be ready for Opening Day.
However, the Marlins have options when rounding out their starting rotation for the 2024 season with names such as Trevor Rogers who is coming back from injury, Yonny Chirinos who was invited to Spring Training, Ryan Weathers and rookie Max Meyer are also making a push.
Skip Schumaker finished his statement regarding A.J. Puk with “A.J. Puk right now, fingers crossed it looking as good as anybody.” A little over a week is still pending until Spring Training concludes and decisions are made, but it is safe to say that Puk’s chances of making the rotation are looking incredibly good right now.