MLB Draft 2016: A.J. Puk selected by Athletics in first round

University of Florida left-handed pitcher A.J. Puk was selected by the Oakland A’s with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft.

The pitcher was highly touted after his three years in Gainesville, showing up at the top of many mocks in the weeks leading up to the draft.

The 6’7, 230-pound southpaw has a 3.21 ERA in 15 starts for the Gators in his junior season, with 31 walks and 95 strikeouts in 70 innings.

Puk emerged nationally after striking out 104 in 78 innings as a sophomore in 2015. That year he posted a 3.81 ERA in 17 appearances, including 14 starts, helping Florida to the College World Series. Then in July he was part of the U.S. Collegiate National Team that handed Cuba its first no-hitter in international play. Puk pitched four innings in relief during the three-pitcher, combined no-hitter.

John Sickels at Minor League Ball called the start to Puk’s 2015 season “somewhat erratic,” though he also noted that the left-hander reached 99 mph at times this season.

“His velocity was down early in the year, more in the 92-95 range, still plenty for a lefty but not draw-dropping,” Sickels wrote. “His slider and change-up were also inconsistent early, though both are still promising.”

Puk’s biggest weapon remains his fastball, though he also features a changeup and slider.

“This fall, my big focus was my changeup,” Puk told CSN Philly after his 2016 season debut in February. “It’s probably my second pitch now.”

The Iowa native was drafted out of high school by the Detroit Tigers in the 35th round in 2013 but instead opted for college ball at Florida.