A’s Option Luis Morales to Triple A, Add Reliever Joel Kuhnel

Manager Mark Kotsay called the move a confidence reset after two walk-heavy starts.

Overview

Oakland optioned 23-year-old starter Luis Morales to Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday and called up reliever Joel Kuhnel, a 31-year-old who did not pitch in the majors last year and carries a 5.86 ERA.
Manager Mark Kotsay said command has been a major issue for Morales and described the assignment as a short reset to rebuild trust in his stuff.
Morales opened 2026 at 0-2 with a 12.27 ERA, including three homers allowed against Toronto on March 29 and six walks in Houston on Saturday.
The move requires a 40-man roster spot, and the team may clear space by shifting injured pitcher Gunnar Hoglund to the 60-day list or by designating a player for assignment.
Morales had been lined up to face the Mets this weekend, and the A’s have not announced who will take that start.