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Joel Kuhnel Takes Loss Wednesday, Ninth-Inning Seat Getting Warm?
Athletics right-handed reliever Joel Kuhnel has emerged as a favorite for saves in the team's bullpen early on in 2026, but he stumbled a bit on Wednesday in the team's 5-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Kuhnel was hit with his first loss of the year after allowing an earned run on four hits without walking or striking anyone out in two-thirds of an inning. The 31-year-old veteran and former 11th-round pick by the Cincinnati Reds in 2016 has allowed two earned runs now on eight hits while walking none and striking out three in 7 2/3 innings of work. He has locked down all four of his save chances and has yet to blow a save, which likely means he's not in any imminent danger of being removed from the closer's role in Sacramento. However, if Kuhnel continues to struggle after his outing on Wednesday, Hogan Harris, Jack Perkins, and Mark Leiter Jr. could all be involved in save situations for the A's going forward. Kuhnel is only rostered in 26% of Yahoo leagues currently.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
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