A’s take A.J. Puk with first pick
At sixth overall, Puk was the first college pitcher taken in Thursday’s draft, and it was the first time the A’s used their top pick on a college pitcher since taking Sonny Gray in 2011.
For the nation’s top team, Puk is 2-3 with a 3.21 ERA and 95 strikeouts and 31 walks in 70 innings.
In his latest start, he gave up five runs (four earned) on five hits in 4 1/3 innings.
The Phillies had the first pick and took outfielder Mickey Moniak out of La Costa Canyon High School in north San Diego County.
The Reds picked Tennessee third baseman Nick Senzel with the third pick, and the Braves and Rockies took high school pitchers with the next two picks, Ian Anderson (New York) and Riley Pint (Kansas).
The Brewers took Lousville center fielder Corey Ray, leaving the A’s the opportunity to take Puk.