Joel Kuhnel: Everything you need to know

Kuhnel picked up a save against the Mariners on Monday, allowing one run on two hits over one inning. Kuhnel was called upon in the ninth inning to protect a three-run lead. He gave up a single and a double to allow a run to score but was ultimately able to finish off the A's victory. The run was the first charged to Kuhnel this season, and the pair of hits were as many as he'd given up across his first six appearances. With four saves over his past five outings and no blown saves on the season, Kuhnel appears to have a solid grasp on the team's closer role despite fanning just three batters over seven total innings.

Kuhnel struck out two over 1.1 perfect innings to earn the save in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Rangers. Kuhnel got the call in the eighth inning after Mark Leiter gave up a three-run home run to Jake Burger to make it a one-run game. This was Kuhnel's third save of the season, good for the team lead over Leiter. The difference has been in the performance -- Kuhnel has tossed 4.2 scoreless innings so far, while Leiter has a 9.00 ERA through eight frames. Kuhnel has added a 3:0 K:BB and has given up just one hit. The Athletics' bullpen is functioning as a committee currently, but Kuhnel looks to be a slight favorite for saves as long as he continues to pitch well. Hogan Harris and Scott Barlow are also in the mix for late-inning work.

Kuhnel picked up the save Sunday against the Mets, throwing a clean ninth inning. Kuhnel made quick work of the Mets on Sunday, retiring the side on a mere four pitches (three strikes). It was the second save of the season for the right-hander, who may be working his way into the ninth-inning mix in the Athletics' unsettled closer picture. Kuhnel has tossed 3.1 scoreless innings so far this year, and it's worth noting that high-leverage arms Hogan Harris, Scott Barlow and Elvis Alvarado all worked ahead of Kuhnel on Sunday.