Puk was mentioned by manager Mark Kotsay as still being a candidate for the starting rotation in the wake of Sean Manaea's trade to the Padres on Sunday, Scott Bordow of MLB.com reports.
Puk seemed destined to start the season in the bullpen prior to Sunday, but with Oakland's projected No. 2 starter now off the roster, it seems the big left-hander will at least be given a chance to benefit from the domino effect of the move. However, Puk, who's posted a 7.27 ERA over 8.2 innings across five appearances this spring, will have plenty of competition, considering Paul Blackburn and Adam Oller are also in the mix for back-end spots and James Kaprielian (shoulder) is expected to return by the end of April, Gallegos separately reports.