It's been a tough series of health updates for A.J. Puk and the Diamondbacks in recent days. Just a few days ago we learned that Puk had to be shut down from his rehab assignment and needed to get an MRI on his left shoulder. The news has gotten worse since then. A.J. Puk to Receive Multiple Opinions on His Shoulder MRIJul 5, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher A.J. Puk gets ready to play the Kansas City Royals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn ImagesDuring his pre-game press conference at Chase Field, manager Torey Lovullo told Diamondbacks On SI and other reporters that Puk was still waiting for further information and a second opinion on his MRI. "There's going to be first and second opinions that we're still waiting for. And where that takes us, I'm not sure," Lovullo said. Speaking to reporters a day earlier in Cincinnati, including the Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro, Lovullo said: “We’re going to keep our fingers crossed, but it’s going to be a little bit longer of a shutdown than most anticipate." Lovullo said that he would remain hopeful that Puk would return to pitch for the team in 2026. Needing to get a second opinion often means that the player and team are trying to make sure the pitcher does not require surgery, although that's not always the case. Regardless if Puk needs surgery or not, he's clearly not coming back any time soon. And just how effective he'll be, or what kind of workload he could sustain during a pennant drive or even a Postseason run is very questionable. Puk came to the Diamondbacks in a deal with the Miami Marlins prior to the 2024 trade deadline. He came with an injury history. A shoulder injury sidelined him for the entirety of the Covid-shortened 2020 season while with the then-Oakland A's. He missed three weeks with an elbow injury in 2023, and landed on the IL once again in 2024 for three weeks with a sore shoulder. Despite this history, Mike Hazen made the deal to bring Puk into the organization. For a while it worked out great. He was nearly untouchable in 2024, posting a 1.32 ERA and a 1.63 FIP in 27.1 innings, including 43 strikeouts versus just five walks. Puk wasn't quite as dominant to start 2025, allowing three runs in eight innings (3.38 ERA), but managed to lock down five saves. He was shut down with an elbow injury in Mid April, however, and ultimately needed to have an Internal Brace Procedure that is an alternative to Tommy John ligament replacement surgery. The brace procedure allows for a 12-13 month return, as opposed to the typical 14-18 months for Tommy John. Other injury notes: James McCann, Justin Martinez and moreMay 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (left) fist bumps James McCann at the end of the second inning against the New York Mets at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images