Former Buck, Iowa Native A.J. Puk Called Up By A’s

Former Waterloo Bucks left-handed pitcher A.J. Puk was called up to the big leagues Tuesday by the Oakland Athletics.

The Cedar Rapids native joins Chicago White Sox infielder Ryan Goins as former Bucks who are active Major Leaguers. When Puk enters a game, he'll become the 16th former Buck to play Major League Baseball.

Puk, who played with Waterloo in 2014, is currently the No. 2 prospect in the A's organization. He has played in Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A this season, most recently with the Las Vegas Aviators of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. This season in the minors, Puk has compiled a 4-1 record with a 4.97 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 25.1 innings pitched.

A University of Florida product, Puk played in 11 games as both a pitcher and an infielder with the Bucks in 2014. On the mound, he started two games (only appearances) and compiled a 2.08 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 8.2 innings. At the plate, Puk hit .227 with two doubles and three RBI.

Puk was the sixth overall pick by the A’s in the 2016 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, the highest selection of any player who's ever worn a Waterloo Bucks uniform.