Puk was optioned to the Athletics' alternate training site Thursday.
Puk appeared to have a chance to break camp in the starting rotation due to Mike Fiers' hip injury, but both he and Daulton Jefferies were sent to the alternate site. That seemingly leaves Cole Irvin as the fifth starter to begin the year. Puk appeared to also be in contention for a bullpen role, but he hasn't won that job either. It seems as though the Athletics will carefully manage his innings this season.