Oakland A's Bullpen Finds Stability with Kuhnel

0:00The Oakland Athletics bullpen has been a rollercoaster this season, posting a 4.84 earned run average that ranks 22nd in baseball. They've notched three shutouts in four days last week, but calling up reliever Joe Cunnell has been the real game-changer. In the past week and a half, he's grabbed three saves, a hold, and four and two-thirds scoreless innings, allowing just one hit with zero walks. Manager Mark Cotsay got asked this week if they'll stick with a closer-by-committee or name someone permanent after 16 games in. He said it's too early to lock in roles, but the pan's clicking with recent success and building confidence. They liked the momentum from the last 10 games and planned to ride it without rushing decisions. Fans and analysts see the impact up close after Thursday's loss to Texas. Justin Sterner took the ninth with a 6-5 lead, but got burned early, and Aaron threw on a bun tied it, and Texas pulled away for a 9-6 win. Sterner's solid outside safe situations, but the team prefers Cunnell, Mark Lighter Jr., or Hogan Harris there.

1:06Highlighting their need for another. Lefty to keep options fresh. Meanwhile, Luis Medina got a key test in the sixth with a slim lead. His first real leverage Tommy John. He tied it on a double, but bounced back for the out, then started the seventh before handing off mixed bag, but Cotsay phrased his focus in expects. More high stakes use on the New York road trip. The bullpins fluid setup keeps things unpredictable, but with Cunnell studying the ship and Medina building reps, the A's hoped to solidify those late. Innings as the season rolls on. You've been listening to California News today, AI-powered local news.