Elephant Rumblings: Luis Morales Optioned to Triple-A

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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Manager Mark Kotsay #7 of the Athletics take the ball from pitcher Luis Morales #19 taking Morales out of the game against the Houston Astros in the top of the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Well good morning A’s fans.

Unfortunately, we got word last night that starter Luis Morales was headed to Triple-A:

A’s are optioning Luis Morales to Triple-A Las Vegas and calling up right-hander Joel Kuhnel, per source.

Kuhnel was in A’s camp as a non-roster invite and was arguably their top performing reliever this spring.

— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) April 7, 2026

It’s not yet officially confirmed but it’s happening. Frankly it’s unsurprising considering his struggles this spring plus his first two starts of the year. The 23-year-old has allowed five runs in each of his first two appearances, and frankly hasn’t looked like the future stud that took over at the end of last year.

It’s not especially surprising after manager Mark Kotsay’s recent comments:

Mark Kotsay didn't hold back on Luis Morales’ outing vs. Houston #Athleticspic.twitter.com/wCBoagpmbM

— SleeperAthletics (@SleeperAth) April 5, 2026

Command has been a big issue for Morales for as long as he’s been in professional baseball. He’s been able to ascend to the highest levels of the sport thanks to his naturally gifted repertoire but he’s still yet to harness it to get to that next level. He’s now ticketed to Las Vegas where he’ll work on his command and hopefully be back sooner than later. How the A’s fill his spot in the rotation long-term has yet to be determined, but could it be Gage Jump time?

Taking his spot on the active roster will be reliever Joel Kuhnel. The veteran righty doesn’t have much recent MLB experience but should at least give Kotsay an extra arm to use in the early days of this New York trip.

Lots to discuss. Have at it A’s fans!

A’s Coverage:​

MLB News and Interest:​

Best of X:​


A look at the minor leaguers:

Find out who’ve been the hottest hitters for Triple-A @AviatorsLV in the early going this season…https://t.co/xPuVQFNXyf

— Bill Moriarity – A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) April 7, 2026

ICYMI:

A'S RECENT MOVES:
-RHP Luis Morales to LV
-LHP Jamie Arnold to MID
-RHP Henry Baez, RHP Mitch Myers, RHP Mark Adamiak & LHP Will Johnston to MID IL
-3B-1B Luke Mann & C-IF Ben Newton to MID Devlopment List
-OF Gavin Turley & RHP Jefferson Jean to STK ILhttps://t.co/joKXkyUAPy

— Bill Moriarity – A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) April 7, 2026

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