OAKLAND -- The A¡¯s are feeling optimistic about the future of A.J. Puk after the left-hander underwent successful shoulder surgery on Wednesday in Los Angeles.

The procedure, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache at the Kerlan Jobe Clinic, involved a debridement of Puk¡¯s labrum and rotator cuff while also cleaning out bursitis that had developed in the area.

The optimism comes in that Puk did not require a repair or reconstruction of his left shoulder, allowing for a quicker recovery. A¡¯s head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta said Puk could resume throwing in about 10 to 12 weeks, with a good chance of beginning next Spring Training on a normal routine without restrictions alongside the rest of the A¡¯s pitchers.

¡°Dr. ElAttrache is pretty excited they didn¡¯t need to do any type of repairs within the procedure and the plan would be for him to be throwing probably in about 10 weeks,¡± Paparesta said. ¡°We¡¯ll probably err on the side of caution and go 12 weeks and just start him up in the normal offseason throwing program that we would have for him.¡±

Puk, Oakland¡¯s No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline, has had a rough past couple of years that have seen last-minute setbacks derail chances of a full season in the Majors. Returning from Tommy John surgery that he had in 2018 to make a strong impression out of the A¡¯s bullpen last September, Puk entered 2020 projected to be a member of the starting rotation only to be placed on the injured list with his current shoulder issue just a few days before the start of the regular season.

With Puk starting his physical therapy on Thursday in Los Angeles, the A¡¯s are confident this recent surgery will help the left-hander finally be at full strength come next season.

¡°I think some of it is the simple fact that A.J. kind of had a roller coaster this year with Spring Training and then the pandemic shutdown and getting here for Summer Camp and getting shut down again,¡± Paparesta said. ¡°More than anything else, this will be a nice breath of fresh air for him going into the offseason knowing it¡¯s behind him. It wasn¡¯t a huge procedure that needed to be done with any reconstruction or repair. It allows him to have a good offseason and hit the ground running when we get back into Spring Training. He wants to get back here and compete.¡±

Mengden throwing in San Jose

Daniel Mengden, who tested positive for COVID-19 last month, has been cleared to be activated by MLB. The right-hander has been assigned to the A¡¯s alternate training site in San Jose, where he will pitch in simulated games and stay ready for a potential callup.