Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin has high hopes for two of his young pitchers, stating that they both have “big stuff” that could potentially lead them to the major leagues in the future.
Melvin’s comments came after a recent game where both pitchers, 23-year-old A.J. Puk and 22-year-old Jesus Luzardo, showed impressive performances on the mound. Puk, a left-handed pitcher, struck out six batters in just three innings of work, while Luzardo, a left-handed starter, pitched two scoreless innings with four strikeouts.
Melvin was clearly impressed by the duo’s performance, stating, “Both Puk and Luzardo have big stuff. They have the potential to be great pitchers in the majors down the road.”
Puk, who was drafted by the Athletics in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft, has been making strides in his development since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018. The 6’7″ pitcher has a fastball that can reach up to 98 mph and a devastating slider that has left batters swinging and missing.
Luzardo, on the other hand, was acquired by the Athletics in a trade with the Washington Nationals in 2017. He has quickly risen through the ranks of the minor leagues and is now considered one of the top prospects in the Athletics’ organization. His fastball can reach up to 97 mph and he also has a strong changeup in his arsenal.
Both Puk and Luzardo have been making a name for themselves in the minor leagues, with Puk posting a 2.38 ERA and 13.2 strikeouts per nine innings in 2019, and Luzardo recording a 2.51 ERA and 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings in the same season.
Their impressive performances have caught the attention of not only their manager but also their teammates. Veteran pitcher Mike Fiers, who has been mentoring the young pitchers, had nothing but praise for them, saying, “They both have electric stuff and they’re not afraid to go after hitters. It’s exciting to see what they can do on the mound.”
The Athletics have a history of developing young pitchers into successful major leaguers, with the likes of Sonny Gray and Sean Manaea being recent examples. Melvin believes that Puk and Luzardo have the potential to follow in their footsteps and make a significant impact on the team.
However, Melvin also understands the importance of patience and not rushing the development of these young pitchers. He stated, “We have to be careful with their workload and make sure they are fully ready before we bring them up to the majors. But when they are ready, I have no doubt they will be successful.”
The future looks bright for Puk and Luzardo, and their potential to become key players for the Athletics is evident. With their impressive performances and the support of their manager and teammates, it’s only a matter of time before they make their mark in the major leagues.
In the meantime, Puk and Luzardo will continue to work hard and hone their skills in the minor leagues, with the ultimate goal of making it to the majors. And with the guidance of manager Bob Melvin, there’s no doubt that these two young pitchers will reach their full potential and become valuable assets for the Oakland Athletics.
