JUPITER, Fla. — New York Yankees supervisor Aaron Boone mentioned reliever Tommy Kahnle is “slightly behind” as he builds up power following a shoulder damage and will begin the season on the injured checklist.
“We’ll see,” Boone mentioned when requested if Kahnle can be prepared for Opening Day. “I feel he’ll be prepared, but it surely’s a matter of do we would like him to have extra video games beneath his belt? That is what we’re sort of deciding.”
Kahnle, 34, was one of many Yankees’ greatest relievers in 2023 when wholesome. However accidents hindered his return to the Bronx after signing a two-year, $11.5 million contract and showing in simply 14 video games over the earlier three seasons.
The appropriate-hander missed the primary two months of the 2023 season with proper biceps tendinitis earlier than returning to submit a 2.66 ERA in 42 aid appearances. He was then positioned on the injured checklist in late September with proper shoulder irritation to finish his marketing campaign.
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Whereas Kahnle has but to seem in a Grapefruit League sport this 12 months, Boone mentioned he has been throwing bullpen classes.
“He in all probability will not be in a sport till extra in direction of the tip of spring,” Boone mentioned.
Kahnle, who spent components of 4 seasons with the Yankees by means of 2020, is projected to function one of many Yankees’ two major setup males — in tandem with fellow right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga — for nearer Clay Holmes.
Ian Hamilton, Ron Marinaccio, Scott Effross, Nick Burdi and Luke Weaver are among the many different right-handed choices for the bullpen.
