 In November 1960, Kunkel was selected by the Kansas City Athletics in the Rule 5 draft, and spent the 1961 season with the A's.He made his MLB debut on April 15, pitching three innings in relief against the New York Yankees, allowing three hits and one run.With the 1961 A's, Kunkel pitched in 58 games (two starts) with a 5.18 ERA and 3–4 record in innings pitched.