D-backs aggressive as trade deadline approaches, adding Marlins LHP A.J. Puk in trade
Miami Marlins' A.J. Puk pitches during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. Credit: AP/Matt Slocum
PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks added left-handed pitcher A.J. Puk in a trade with the Miami Marlins on Thursday, signaling that the D-backs will be a buyer at the rapidly approaching trade deadline.
The 29-year-old Puk should be useful in the back end of the D-backs’ bullpen. He’s been a solid reliever the past three seasons and has a 4-8 record with a 4.30 ERA in 32 appearances this season.
The D-backs — defending National League champions — have improved this season after a slow start and own a 53-50 record.
The Marlins received minor league third baseman Deyvison De Los Santos and outfielder Andrew Pintar. The 21-year-old De Los Santos is hitting .325 with 28 homers and 84 RBIs while playing in Double-A and Triple-A this season.
Puk is still under team control through the 2026 season, which explains why the D-backs were willing to part with De Los Santos, who has been a great hitter at every stop in his minor-league career.
The MLB trade deadline is Tuesday.
