Kuhl allowed one run on one hit over four innings while striking out seven during Friday's 17-13 extra-innings loss to the Tigers. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

A second-inning solo shot by C.J. Cron was the only offense Detroit could muster against the right-hander, who was exceedingly sharp and threw 37 of 58 pitches for strikes before giving way to a far less effective Pittsburgh bullpen. Kuhl should lock himself into a rotation spot with this performance, but his win probability remains low until he can get fully stretched out. His next start is very tentatively scheduled for Wednesday in St. Louis.

Kuhl will start Friday's game against the Tigers, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

There was apparently an internal miscommunication where Steven Brault had been listed by the Pirates as the starter for that game, but it will instead go to Kuhl. Brault could still piggyback Kuhl if he remains on the roster. Kuhl went 1.1 innings in his most recent outing against the Cubs, so he should not be expected to go deep enough in this outing to qualify for the win.

Manager Derek Shelton said it was his "full expectation" that Kuhl (finger) would be available to pitch whenever his spot next comes up, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

The team has given no guidance as to whether Kuhl take the injured Mitch Keller's rotation spot or continue to serve as a piggyback with Steven Brault or another pitcher. Coming off Tommy John surgery, Kuhl has appeared in two games, allowing one earned run in five innings.

Kuhl was removed from Sunday's game against the Cubs with an abrasion on his right index finger.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old covered 1.1 innings and allowed one run on two hits with one strikeout and one walk before leaving the game. Kuhl has been piggybacking off Steven Brault to begin the season, and his status for the next turn through the rotation remains unclear.

Kuhl was removed from Sunday's game against the Cubs with an apparent hand/finger injury, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander appeared to be checking over his pitching hand throughout his outing, so he could be dealing with a blister or a similar issue. Kuhl allowed one run on two hits with one strikeout and one walk over 1.1 innings before exiting the contest.

Kuhl allowed three hits and two walks while striking out four over 3.2 scoreless innings of relief in Monday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Steve Brault got the start Monday and delivered two scoreless frames of his own, but it was Kuhl who was the more effective pitcher overall in the tandem. The right-hander tossed 55 pitches (33 strikes) and was in line for the win when he exited the game, although the 1-0 lead didn't survive eruptions from both offenses in the late innings. Kuhl and Brault are splitting the No. 5 starter spot for now, but if Kuhl continues to be the second man into the game, his win potential will make him the better fantasy asset of the duo.

Kuhl could combine with Steven Brault to serve as the team's fifth starter, pitching several innings in the same game, along with Brault, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kuhl has looked strong thus far during summer camp, with catcher Jacob Stallings referring to his repertoire as both "nasty" and "filthy." Manager Derek Shelton sounds more interested in making sure Kuhl gets enough innings, even though the righty's returning from Tommy John surgery. "Now, we don't have to worry about 162 games and how we're going to monitor that," Shelton said. "We have to worry about 60 games. My concern now would be, can we get him enough work? Can we get him enough innings?"

Kuhl was pleased with his results after throwing in an intrasquad game at Pirate City on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Pitching to mostly minor leaguers, Kuhl threw 32 pitches, including his entire repertoire. "I felt really good," he said. "I was able to work on a lot of things we've been working on in the bullpen." Kuhl is set up to pitch every fifth day and add an inning to his workload each time out. Although the organization hasn't officially stated whether the righty will be used as a starter or reliever, it's preparing him to operate as the former. There were no remarks concerning the decreased velocity which was reported in his last outing.

Kuhl pitched a scoreless inning Thursday but saw a drop in his fastball velocity, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kuhl, who averaged 96.3 mph with his fastball in 2018 (prior to Tommy John surgery), was sitting in the 92-93 mph range. It's possible he could simply be shaking off the rust in spring training, but since his best pitch is his fastball, the decrease in velocity is worth tracking.

Kuhl pitched Friday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery, retiring two batters while allowing two runs on one hit and one walk. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Pitching under game conditions for the first time since 2018, the hard-throwing righty threw 23 pitches with a fastball sitting at 94 mph. The organization hasn't hinted as to whether he'll be used as a starter or reliever in the long run, but it's likely he'll serve as a swing man and pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen at season's start.