The New York Yankees bullpen followed up the most impactful 2023 season with yet another dominant stint in the ongoing 2024 season. Just like last year, the Bronx Bombers bullpen entered Wednesday with the lowest ERA in the major league. And this means much more, given the lack of notable names in the pen.
Interestingly, the New York Yankees parted ways with seasoned relief pitches during the off-season to accomplish the historic trade of Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo. However, fortunately, the inexperienced guys have done a good job. And in further relief, the Yanks bullpen could soon get a boost with two key throwers eyeing imminent return from injury.
Tommy Kahnle Begins Rehab Assignment With Single-A Tampa
Veteran relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle‘s return from injury is eagerly anticipated by the New York Yankees organization and their fans. Khanle was shut down with a shoulder injury last year, and the issue relapsed into the off-season, which slowed down his recovery build-up. Tommy showed up in spring training without full fitness, and eventually, the Bronx Bombers decided to delay his season debut. Kahnle’s throwing progression was delayed, and he has been sidelined for over two months now. But that changed this week as the relief pitcher was finally assigned a rehab assignment in what could be deemed as a final step toward imminent return.
Tommy Kahnle commenced his rehab assignment with Single-A Tampa on Wednesday and threw a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. However, despite positive feedback, Kahnle will need a minimum of five rehab appearances before he could be eligible for reinstatement. That lines up his return timeline to the end of the month. Nevertheless, Kahnle’s return to form would be a significant boost for the New York Yankees, as he has proven to be a reliable and effective reliever when healthy. With his arsenal of pitches and experience in pressure situations, Kahnle adds another dimension to the Yanks’ already successful bullpen. However, it’s important to note that the reliever’s several months-long absence from major league could have disrupted his rhythm. And hence, it could still be a few weeks before Kahnle feels like himself again on the mound.
Nick Burdi Likely To Rejoin Yankees Active Roster This Week!
Nick Burdi, a hard-throwing right-hander, has been sidelined with a right hip inflammation since April 19. His return to action represents a significant milestone in his recovery journey and offers a ray of hope for the Yankees’ bullpen. Burdi made a rehab appearance Tuesday and reported no setback whatsoever. Hence, in an ideal world, Burdi could be reinstated from IL by as early as this Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Burdi’s electric stuff and ability to generate strikeouts make him a valuable asset in high-leverage situations. Hence, his return will provide much-needed depth and stability to the Yankees’ relief corps. Overall, with Tommy Kahnle and Nick Burdi’s imminent return, the Yanks are hopeful that their bullpen will continue to remain their formidable weapon as they push for a postseason berth.
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