The Milwaukee Brewers made a roster move on Saturday, acquiring veteran right-handed pitcher Joel Kuhnel from the Athletics in exchange for cash considerations. The transaction came as the Brewers continued to battle a growing injury crisis within their pitching staff, a situation that has become increasingly concerning as the season progresses. The move was prompted in part by another setback, as pitcher Brian Fitzpatrick became the eighth Milwaukee pitcher currently sidelined on the injured list.
Fitzpatrick’s injury occurred during Friday’s game against the Colorado Rockies in Denver. The right-hander was preparing to enter the contest in the seventh inning when he experienced discomfort after throwing just a single warmup pitch. The incident immediately raised concerns among team officials and medical staff, who quickly evaluated the situation before determining that further examination was necessary.
Subsequent testing revealed that Fitzpatrick had suffered a strain of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow. The injury is particularly troubling because the UCL is one of the most critical ligaments for pitchers, helping stabilize the elbow during the repetitive stress of throwing. Damage to the ligament often requires lengthy rehabilitation and, in some cases, surgery.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy addressed the situation after the diagnosis became known. Murphy explained that the organization is seeking additional medical evaluations before determining the best course of action for Fitzpatrick’s recovery. According to the manager, the team wants its own specialists to thoroughly examine the pitcher before deciding whether a conservative rehabilitation program will be sufficient or if a more significant intervention, such as Tommy John surgery, may ultimately be necessary.
Murphy noted that the Brewers are taking a cautious approach because UCL injuries can vary significantly in severity. While some strains can heal through rest and rehabilitation, others progress to the point where reconstructive surgery becomes unavoidable. The organization hopes to gather as much information as possible before making a final decision regarding Fitzpatrick’s treatment plan.
For the immediate future, rehabilitation remains the likely initial approach. However, team officials recognize that the possibility of another Tommy John procedure cannot yet be ruled out. Such a development would represent a major setback for both Fitzpatrick and the Brewers, as recovery from Tommy John surgery often requires a year or more before a pitcher can return to competitive action.
With their pitching depth already stretched thin, Milwaukee moved quickly to add reinforcement by acquiring Joel Kuhnel. The 31-year-old reliever brings major league experience and provides an additional arm capable of helping stabilize the bullpen. Although the acquisition may not generate significant headlines, it reflects the Brewers’ need to address mounting injuries and maintain roster flexibility throughout a challenging period.
Kuhnel had spent the beginning of the season with the Athletics, appearing in 25 games. During that stretch, he posted a 4.21 earned run average and recorded four saves. While not serving as the team’s primary closer, he demonstrated an ability to pitch in important late-inning situations and contribute in a variety of bullpen roles.
The Athletics designated Kuhnel for assignment on Friday, creating an opportunity for Milwaukee to acquire him shortly thereafter. For the Brewers, the timing was ideal, as the club urgently needed additional pitching depth following Fitzpatrick’s injury and several other absences.
Although Kuhnel is joining Milwaukee from Oakland, the organization is already familiar with him. He spent time on the Brewers’ major league roster during two separate stints in 2024. However, despite being on the active roster, he did not appear in a game for the club during those periods. As a result, this latest acquisition provides him with another chance to establish a role within Milwaukee’s pitching staff.
Over the course of his major league career, Kuhnel has accumulated experience with multiple organizations. He has pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and Athletics. Across 107 career appearances, he has compiled a 5-5 record with a 5.51 ERA. While those numbers are not dominant, they reflect a pitcher who has consistently found opportunities at the highest level and can provide valuable depth when called upon.
The Brewers hope Kuhnel can offer stability and innings as they navigate one of the most injury-riddled stretches of their season. With several pitchers unavailable, every healthy arm becomes increasingly important. The front office’s decision to acquire Kuhnel underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for experienced options capable of contributing immediately.
Milwaukee’s injury concerns extend well beyond Fitzpatrick. Another significant development involved right-hander Quinn Priester, who has been dealing with right thoracic outlet syndrome. Priester’s condition has prevented him from returning to action, and the Brewers announced that he has been transferred to the 60-day injured list.
The move effectively ensures that Priester will remain unavailable for an extended period. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a particularly challenging condition for pitchers because it involves compression of nerves or blood vessels between the neck and shoulder. The injury can affect strength, sensation, and overall throwing mechanics, making recovery both complex and unpredictable.
Priester’s transfer to the 60-day injured list also highlights the severity of Milwaukee’s pitching health issues. Teams generally reserve such moves for players expected to miss substantial time, indicating that the Brewers do not anticipate a quick return for the young right-hander.
In addition to Fitzpatrick and Priester, several other Brewers pitchers remain sidelined with various injuries. Left-hander DL Hall is currently recovering from a strained left pectoral muscle. Hall has shown flashes of potential when healthy, but his absence has further reduced the club’s available options.
Another injured left-handed pitcher is Rob Zastryzny, who is dealing with a strain involving his left trapezius muscle. Injuries affecting the shoulder and upper back area can be especially problematic for pitchers because they directly impact throwing motion and arm strength.
Jared Koenig is also unavailable due to a left elbow sprain. Elbow injuries are always concerning for pitchers because of the stress placed on the joint during every throw. The Brewers continue to monitor his recovery while hoping he can eventually return without requiring more extensive treatment.
Angel Zerpa represents another member of the growing injured list. The left-hander has been sidelined with tightness in his left forearm. While forearm discomfort does not always lead to major structural damage, teams generally treat such symptoms cautiously because they can sometimes precede more serious elbow injuries.
The Brewers’ list of unavailable pitchers also includes veteran right-hander Brandon Woodruff. Woodruff, one of the organization’s most accomplished starters in recent years, is currently recovering from inflammation in his right shoulder. His absence has been particularly impactful because of the leadership, experience, and performance he typically provides to the starting rotation.
Shoulder injuries can be notoriously difficult for pitchers to overcome, often requiring careful management and gradual progression before a return to game action is possible. Milwaukee continues to monitor Woodruff’s progress while hoping he can rejoin the rotation later in the season.
Logan Henderson is another pitcher currently unavailable to the Brewers. Henderson has been sidelined due to a lower back strain, an injury that can affect both performance and durability. Although back injuries may not attract as much attention as elbow or shoulder problems, they can significantly hinder a pitcher’s mechanics and ability to generate power.
Collectively, these injuries have created a major challenge for Milwaukee’s coaching staff and front office. Managing a pitching staff becomes increasingly difficult when multiple starters and relievers are unavailable simultaneously. The Brewers have been forced to explore internal and external options to ensure they can continue competing effectively despite the setbacks.
The acquisition of Joel Kuhnel may represent only a modest transaction on the surface, but it reflects a broader organizational effort to address immediate needs while maintaining competitiveness. In a season where pitching depth is being tested almost daily, even seemingly minor additions can play a meaningful role.
For Kuhnel, the move provides a fresh opportunity to contribute at the major league level and potentially carve out a more permanent role within Milwaukee’s bullpen. For the Brewers, it offers another experienced arm at a time when healthy pitchers have become an increasingly valuable commodity.
As the organization awaits additional medical evaluations for Brian Fitzpatrick and continues monitoring the recovery progress of numerous injured pitchers, Milwaukee faces the challenge of navigating a difficult stretch with a depleted pitching staff. Whether through rehabilitation, roster moves, or further acquisitions, the Brewers will need to remain proactive in managing their resources.
The coming weeks will likely determine the severity of Fitzpatrick’s injury and whether surgery becomes necessary. At the same time, the club will closely track the status of several other pitchers working toward recovery. Until reinforcements arrive from the injured list, Milwaukee’s ability to remain competitive may depend heavily on acquisitions such as Kuhnel and the resilience of the healthy pitchers currently available.
Despite the adversity, the Brewers continue searching for solutions. The addition of Joel Kuhnel is the latest example of the club’s efforts to strengthen its roster, address immediate pitching concerns, and navigate an increasingly challenging injury situation as the season moves forward.
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