Eduarniel

Núñez

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.

Núñez has a 2.70 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 49/14 K/BB ratio in 30 innings split between Double-A and Triple-A this season. If he makes it into either game of the doubleheader today, it will be his MLB debut.

Acee adds that Nuñez will receive his first call-up to the big leagues with Matt Waldron being optioned back to the minors after walking six batters during Monday’s start. The 26-year-old reliever has posted a serviceable 2.70 ERA and 49/14 K/BB ratio across 30 innings (25 relief appearances) this season in the upper minors.

Nunez heads to San Diego after spending the last eight years in the Cubs’ minor-league system. The hard-throwing 25-year-old righty struggled in 19 late-season appearances for Triple-A Iowa, but was virtually untouchable at Double-A Tennessee, posting a microscopic 0.98 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 42/12 K/BB ratio across 36 2/3 innings (27 appearances). He’ll presumably compete for a spot in the Padres’ season-opening bullpen.