Is AJ Puk A Rookie?

AJ Puk is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for the Florida Gators.

A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Puk attended Washington High School in the city. Both baseball and football saw him excel as a first baseman and pitcher. While attending the University of Florida, he was picked by the Detroit Tigers in the 35th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.

AJ Puk
AJ Puk

Puk appeared in 19 games as a freshman at Florida and started seven of them. There were five wins, two losses, and one save in a 5–2 record with a 3.35 earned run average (ERA).



They were charged with third-degree criminal trespass in April 2015 after climbing a crane within a clearly marked construction zone on the University of Florida campus.

He was momentarily suspended after the charge was downgraded to a misdemeanor. Puk returned to the Gators’ lineup following his suspension and helped them reach the College World Series in 2015.

Is AJ Puk A Rookie?

Yes, professional baseball pitcher, AJ Puk is a rookie. Detroit Tigers (35th round, 2013 MLB June Amateur Draft) and Oakland Athletics (6th round, 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft) both chose him in the first round of the June Amateur Draft (Gainesville, FL).