Kuhl (1-3) took the loss in the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, giving up four runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks over five-plus innings as the Pirates fell 7-2. He struck out six.

EDGE Analysis

The Bucs committed three errors in the nightcap, leading to six unearned runs for the pitching staff. Kuhl still delivered a solid effort after blister issues cut short his last start, throwing 53 of 87 pitches for strikes, and he'll take a 5.03 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 39:25 K:BB over 39.1 innings into his final outing of the season Thursday, at home against the Cubs. He did walk off the mound nursing his right hand with blood on his jersey, so there is a chance he could miss his final start.

The Pirates list Kuhl (finger) as their probable starter for the second game of Friday's doubleheader versus the Cardinals, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kuhl's inclusion on Pittsburgh's pitching schedule is an indication that the blister and cuticle issues he experienced in his most recent outing Sept. 13 versus the Royals won't be much of a concern as takes the hill for his eighth start of 2020. Through his first seven starts, Kuhl has posted a 6.14 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 28:20 K:BB over 29.1 innings.

Blister and cuticle issues to his right index finger likely contributed to Kuhl's poor pitching performance Sunday against the Royals, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

"As soon as we kind of figured out that I really couldn't throw a fastball, we just kind of showed it just for hoping it would end up in a good location," Kuhl said. The 28-year-old walked six batters while recording only seven outs. Pittsburgh's MLB-worst defense didn't do him any favors, either. As a result, it might be wise to keep Kuhl benched until he proves he's healthy.

Kuhl (1-2) allowed nine earned runs on four hits and six walks while striking out five across 2.1 innings to take the loss Sunday against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Kuhl was in trouble from the outset of the start, as he walked three batters and threw a wild pitch in the opening frame -- resulting in four earned runs. He was finally chased in the third inning after allowing two additional earned runs while also exiting the game with the bases loaded. After some positive outings to begin the campaign, Kuhl has walked 19 batters across his last 20.1 frames with the result being short and subpar starts. Overall, he has maintained a 5.50 ERA across 34.1 frames this season.

Kuhl allowed two runs on two hits and four walks across three innings pitched during Sunday's 3-2 win over the Reds. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Kuhl was limited to just three innings in large part because he issued four free passes. Although the start didn't go as he planned, the right-hander can feel good about the fact that he fanned five and didn't let the tilt get out of hand. He will look to work deeper into the game when he toes the rubber next Sunday in Kansas City.

Kuhl didn't factor into the decision Tuesday, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks over four-plus innings in an 8-7 extra-innings loss to the Cubs. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander seemed headed for his second loss of the season, exiting the game after 86 pitches (51 strikes) with the Bucs down 6-1 by the end of the fifth inning. However, a rally on both sides of a lengthy rain delay got him off the hook. Kuhl will carry a 3.10 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and less impressive 23:13 K:BB through 29 innings into his next start Sunday, at home against the Reds.

Kuhl allowed one run on four hits and four walks across six innings pitched in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Cardinals. He struck out one and did not factor in the decision.

EDGE Analysis

The four walks are definitely a bit concerning for the right-hander, but he was still able to get through six frames while allowing just a solo homer to Yadier Molina. Kuhl will take a strong 2.52 ERA into his Tuesday start against the Cubs.

Kuhl (1-1) allowed one run on two hits and three walks while striking out one over five innings as he earned the win Friday against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Kuhl was sharp over his first three appearances this season but failed to record a decision during that time. He struggled during his last turn through the rotation, but he held the Brewers in check Friday to pick up his first win of 2020. Overall, the right-hander has been much more effective to begin the season than he's been in the past, as he carries a 2.84 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 19 innings. His next start should come on the road Thursday against the Cardinals as part of a doubleheader.

Kuhl (0-1) allowed three runs on four hits and a walk while striking out six over five innings. He took the loss in an 8-1 result against the Reds on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Kuhl started off the season as a primary reliever in a tandem with Steven Brault, but after both Joe Musgrove (triceps) and Mitch Keller (oblique) hit the IL with injuries, a spot in the rotation opened up for Kuhl to make at least one start. The 28-year-old right-hander was off to a good start prior to Friday's outing, allowing just two runs and striking out 12 over nine innings. If he recorded a quality start Friday, Kuhl may have been considered a lock to stick in the Pirate rotation for the foreseeable future. Now, he may have to prove to manager Derek Shelton that he belongs as a starter with a solid outing Wednesday at home against Cleveland.

Kuhl will start against the Reds on Friday, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander has registered a 4.22 ERA in two career starts in Cincinnati, allowing five homers in 10.2 innings. Kuhl is off to a strong start in 2020, limiting opponents to two earned runs in nine innings with a 12:3 K:BB. He's dropped his fastball usage from 58.7 percent to 37.6 percent while increasing his breaking ball repertoire. Thus far the results have proven encouraging.