The Brewers made a notable addition by signing right-handed pitcher Joel Kuhnel to a minor league contract yesterday, as first noted on MLB.com’s transaction log. Kuhnel wasted no time, making his debut for the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate in Nashville last night, where he pitched an inning, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk, while striking out two.
Kuhnel’s signing marks his third organization of the season, having previously been with the Astros and Blue Jays. During his brief stint in the major leagues with Houston, he gave up four runs in two innings. Most of his time this season has been spent in Triple-A, where he has compiled 21 innings across stints with Sugar Land, Buffalo, and now Nashville, maintaining a solid 3.00 ERA. While his strikeout rate in Triple-A sits at a modest 10.1%, he boasts an impressive 6.7% walk rate and an outstanding 60.3% ground-ball rate.
This year’s appearance with the Astros marks Kuhnel’s fifth season with MLB experience. In 85 2/3 innings, primarily with the Reds and Astros, the 6’5″ right-hander has posted a 6.30 ERA, with a 19% strikeout rate, 6.3% walk rate, and a 52.5% grounder rate. Kuhnel averages nearly 96 mph on his four-seam fastball and sinker, complementing them with a mid-80s slider and a changeup averaging 90 mph.
The Brewers have been dealing with a slew of injuries, particularly in their rotation, which has indirectly affected their bullpen. Reliever Bryse Wilson has been moved into a starting role due to the injuries, leading the Brewers to rely heavily on their relievers. Milwaukee’s starting pitchers have logged the fewest innings in MLB (316 1/3), while their bullpen has pitched the most innings (277). Additionally, star closer Devin Williams has been sidelined all season with a back injury, making bullpen depth even more critical.
Kuhnel provides the Brewers with another experienced option, ready to be called up from Nashville whenever they need a fresh arm to support their overtaxed bullpen or cover a short start in their makeshift rotation.
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