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, who has been managing the A’s since 2011, has seen his fair share of talented pitchers come through the organization. However, he believes that these two young arms have what it takes to make it to the big leagues and make an impact.
The first pitcher that Melvin is referring to is left-hander Jesus Luzardo. The 21-year-old was drafted by the A’s in 2016 and has quickly risen through the ranks of the minor leagues. Luzardo has an impressive repertoire of pitches, including a fastball that can reach the upper 90s, a devastating changeup, and a sharp breaking ball. His ability to mix up his pitches and keep hitters off balance has caught the attention of Melvin and the rest of the coaching staff.
But it’s not just Luzardo’s physical abilities that have impressed Melvin. It’s his maturity and work ethic that have stood out to the manager. “He’s not afraid of any challenge,” Melvin said of Luzardo. “He’s got a great demeanor on the mound and he’s always looking to improve.”
The other pitcher that Melvin is high on is right-hander A.J. Puk. The 23-year-old was drafted by the A’s in 2016, just one year after Luzardo. Puk has also made a quick ascent through the minor leagues, showcasing his electric fastball and devastating slider. At 6’7″, Puk has an intimidating presence on the mound and has the potential to be a dominant force in the majors.
Melvin has been impressed with Puk’s progress since returning from Tommy John surgery last year. “He’s come back even stronger and his stuff is even better,” Melvin said. “He’s got a chance to be a top-of-the-rotation starter in the future.”
Both Luzardo and Puk have been turning heads during spring training, with Luzardo posting a 2.45 ERA and Puk recording a 1.80 ERA in their limited appearances. While they may not make the opening day roster, Melvin believes that they are not far from making their major league debuts.
“They both have the stuff to compete at the highest level,” Melvin said. “It’s just a matter of continuing to develop and gaining experience.”
The A’s have a history of developing young pitchers and turning them into successful major league players. Names like Sonny Gray, Sean Manaea, and Daniel Mengden come to mind. Melvin believes that Luzardo and Puk have the potential to join that list and make a significant impact on the team.
But it’s not just about their talent on the mound. Melvin also values their character and attitude. “They both have great makeup and are great teammates,” Melvin said. “They have a hunger to succeed and that’s what you want to see in young players.”
The future looks bright for the Oakland Athletics, with a talented group of young players and a manager who knows how to bring out the best in them. Luzardo and Puk are just two of the many promising prospects in the organization, but they have caught the eye of Melvin and have the potential to make a name for themselves in the majors.
So while they may not be in the majors just yet, Luzardo and Puk are certainly on the right track. With their “big stuff” and determination, it’s only a matter of time before they make their mark in the major leagues. And when they do, Bob Melvin will be there to guide them every step of the way.
