No one really knew what to expect when Joel Kuhnel was called up from the minor leagues. Let’s be honest, few, if any, fans even knew who Joel Kuhnel was. However, after spending the last month in the Cincinnati Reds bullpen, Kuhnel appears to be a keeper. His fastball has the ability to overwhelm hitters and he may be counted on a lot next season.
Kuhnel received the call on August 15th when the Reds shuffled up their bullpen. Jared Hughes was picked up by the Philadelphia Phillies, Sal Romano returned to Triple-A Louisville and Matt Bowman was recalled to the big leagues.