A’s option P Luis Morales amid roster shakeup

The Athletics continue to shuffle their pitching staff early in the season as they search for stability on the mound.

With inconsistent outings and injuries already playing a role, the club is making adjustments in hopes of finding more reliable production in both the rotation and the bullpen.

That effort led to another round of roster moves on Tuesday, as the A’s turned to a veteran arm with recent momentum while sending a young starter back to Triple-A to regroup.

The A’s have selected RHP Joel Kuhnel from Triple-A Las Vegas and optioned RHP Luis Morales to Las Vegas. RHP Gunnar Hoglund has been transferred to the 60-day IL.

— A’s Communications (@AthleticsPR) April 7, 2026

Athletics Roster Moves

The following release is courtesy of the Athletics

The Athletics selected right-handed pitcher Joel Kuhnel from Triple-A Las Vegas and optioned right-handed pitcher Luis Morales to Las Vegas, the club announced today. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Gunnar Hoglund was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

Morales was on the A’s Opening Day roster and was 0-2 with a 12.27 ERA in his first two starts, including four home runs allowed, eight walks, and five strikeouts.

The 23-year-old right-hander made his Major League debut in 2025 with the A’s and was 4-3 with a 3.14 ERA across 10 games, including nine starts last season.

Kuhnel will be making his first big league appearance since 2024 when he was a member of the Tampa Bay Rays. He was signed by the A’s as a free agent to a minor league contract on December 16, 2025 and was invited to spring training.

Across 10 appearances in Spring Training, the 31-year-old right-hander posted a 1.54 ERA (2 er/11.2 ip) with two walks and 10 strikeouts. Kuhnel has pitched in two games this season for Las Vegas and has recorded 3.0 scoreless innings with one walk and six strikeouts.

Hoglund was originally placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to March 22, with a lumbar spine strain. While rehabbing in West Sacramento, he developed symptoms related to a left hip impingement and is undergoing further evaluation.

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Upcoming Athletics 2026 Schedule

• Tuesday, April 7-Thursday, April 9 @ New York Yankees
• Friday, April 10-Sunday, April 12 @ New York Mets
• Monday, April 13th – Thursday, April 16th vs. Texas Rangers
• Friday, April 17th – Sunday, April 19th vs. Chicago White Sox
• Monday, April 20th – Wednesday, April 22nd @ Seattle Mariners

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