Eduarniel

Núñez

Núñez had a 15.75 ERA in four innings at Triple-A this season and posted a 7.11 ERA in 10 appearances over 12 2/3 innings for the Athletics and Padres last season, while walking 11. The Cubs will be the next team to try to fix his command.

Acquired in mid-May from the Athletics for cash considerations, the Orioles decided they’d rather pay out more considerations for Kyle Nicolas than move forward with Núñez on the roster. What could have changed the way Baltimore feels about Núñez? Our guess is the 15.75 ERA in four innings — along with eight walks — for Triple-A Norfolk since reporting. There’s probably a better chance he gets through waivers this time.

Núñez, who had been DFA’d, was an up-down reliever for the Athletics and Padres last year, compiling a 7.11 ERA in 10 appearances over 12 2/3 innings while walking 11. He had a 5.56 ERA in nine appearances at Triple-A Las Vegas so far this year, and the 26-year-old will likely report to Triple-A Norfolk for the Orioles.

Núñez has been removed from the Athletics 40-man roster to make room for Michael Stefanic and Henry Bolte to come up from the minors. The hard-throwing 26-year-old posted a bloated 7.11 ERA across 12 2/3 innings last year between the Athletics and Padres. He’ll likely attract some interest on waivers given his talent.

Nuñez was awful in his limited action in 2025 with a 7.11 ERA and 1.90 WHIP over 10 appearances. The 26-year-old will likely be an up-and-down option for the A’s in 2026.

The 26-year-old hurler has been knocked around in 10 appearances in the big leagues this season, posting a cringe-inducing 7.11 ERA, 1.90 WHIP and an 11/11 K/BB ratio across 12 2/3 innings between the A’s and Padres. He’ll continue to refine his craft at the Triple-A level for the time being.

The 26-year-old right-hander will get another shot with the A’s as Ben Bowden (lat) lands on the injured list. Nuñez has struggled in his first seven appearances in the big leagues, posting a 9.00 ERA, 2.57 WHIP and a cringe-inducing 4/8 K/BB ratio across seven innings between the A’s and the Padres. He has a very intriguing arm, just needs to cut down on the walks.

Nuñez heads back to Las Vegas with Tyler Ferguson recalled to take his place in the bullpen. Nuñez has struggled in the majors so far, but does have the arm talent to someday be a high-leverage reliever if the command can take that necessary step forward.

Nuñez made his MLB debut this season after posting a 2.31 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 56/17 K/BB ratio in 35 innings across Double-A and Triple-A. The reliever has a fastball that he can run up to 101 mph; however, he has really poor extension and mediocre movement. He does pair that with a strong slider and that should be enough to make him an impactful reliever in the bullpen for the Athletics.

Núñez was shipped back to the minors to make room for Ryan Bergert to return from the injured list for Friday’s game against the Phillies. The 26-year-old relief prospect looked like he belonged in his four relief appearances since being called up earlier this month. He figures to return at some point in the early stages of the second half.