It wasn’t a sweat-free save, but in the process of closing out San Francisco’s extra-inning 6-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, Joel Kuhnel made MLB history.The 31-year-old pitcher became the first player in league history to earn multiple saves with three different teams in the same season (since 1969 when saves became an official stat), per the Giants.
Entering the game, Kuhnel was just one of five players to have a single save with three separate clubs.
Kuhnel entered the 10th inning for the Giants with a 6-4 lead, then loaded the bases on a pair of walks and gave up a run before getting Nathan Church to fly out and preserve the win for San Francisco.
Kuhnel’s 2026 has been a traveled season. He didn’t make the Athletics’ Opening Day roster, but was called up in April and earned four saves in 25 appearances with the club.
The A’s, however, designated Kuhnel for assignment in June and the right-handed pitcher was acquired for cash by the Milwaukee Brewers.
He made 10 appearances and had two saves with the Brew Crew before heading to the IL on July 4.