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• Diamondbacks' A.J. Puk: Collects third save

  09/21/2024 • By RotoWire

  Puk gave up a hit and struck out three in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his third save of the season in a 7-4 win over the Brewers. A Diamondbacks reliever hadn't recorded a traditional save since Sept. 3, but with the team protecting a three-run lead Friday, Justin Martinez was deployed in the seventh inning to face the heart of the Brewers' order, while Ryan Thompson got the eighth and Puk handled the ninth. If Martinez is moving into a highest-leverage role rather than being held back for the ninth, it could open up a save chance or two over the final week of the season for Puk, who is on an impressive roll -- he's hasn't been tagged for a run since Aug. 2, posting a 0.53 WHIP and 34:3 K:BB over his last 20.2 innings with two saves and five holds.

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• Diamondbacks' A.J. Puk: Winds up with save

  08/05/2024 • By RotoWire

  Puk picked up the save Sunday against Pittsburgh, striking out one during two-thirds of a perfect inning. Puk took over with runners on the corners and one out after Ryan Thompson yielded an RBI single to Bryan Reynolds to bring the Pirates within one run. Puk got the Diamondbacks out of the jam, retiring Oneil Cruz and Bryan De La Cruz to end the game and pick up his first save for Arizona. With Paul Sewald being removed from the closing role, it's been Thompson who's received the first two save chances. However, Thompson has allowed a run in both appearances, which could open the door for Puk to see some ninth-inning work.

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• Diamondbacks' A.J. Puk: Pitches in sixth inning

  08/03/2024 • By RotoWire

  Puk allowed one run on three hits over one-third of an inning in Friday's 9-8 win over the Pirates. Puk entered to clean up a mess made by Kevin Ginkel in the sixth inning but couldn't prevent the Pirates from taking the lead. Both Puk and Ginkel were speculated as options to close out games after manager Torey Lovullo announced earlier in the day that Paul Sewald would no longer be the club's closer. Ryan Thompson eventually closed out the win after Arizona retook the lead, but Lovullo, who did not specifically name a replacement for Sewald, trusts all three of those relievers.

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• Diamondbacks' A.J. Puk: Opening for saves

  08/02/2024 • By RotoWire

  Puk and Kevin Ginkel are the favorites for save opportunities after Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo removed Paul Sewald from the closer role Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports. Puk has recorded a hold and has five strikeouts in three scoreless appearances since being acquired by Arizona last week, and the closer role is now open after Sewald's rough July. Lovullo didn't name a replacement, but Puk and the right-handed Ginkel are the likeliest candidates to take over. Ryan Thompson could also be involved.

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• Diamondbacks' A.J. Puk: Makes Arizona debut

  07/28/2024 • By RotoWire

  Puk allowed one walk and struck out one over a scoreless eighth inning in Saturday's 9-5 win over the Pirates. Puk made his debut for the Diamondbacks after being acquired from the Marlins on Thursday. The left-hander was brought in to face the top of the Pirates order, which included three right-handed batters, so it would seem manager Torey Lovullo is comfortable using the new reliever against all hitters. Puk becomes the second lefty out of the bullpen along with Joe Mantiply, who typically gets opponents' toughest lefties and can now get a break. Puk will join other setup arms, like Kevin Ginkel, Justin Martinez and Ryan Thompson.

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