The New York Yankees, new AL-East leaders, are sitting comfortably at the top with a sensational 33-15 record. With the latest series sweep against the Chicago White Sox, the Yanks finished yet another home series on a high. And before the Yanks take on the Mariners, the roster is likely to receive a boost.
The Bronx Bombers are scheduled to host Seattle Mariners in a four-game series this week. And ahead of the pivotal series, the New York Yankees seem poised to reinstate two veteran players in the lineup who have seen serving on the injury list since the start of the 2024 MLB season.
Tommy Kahnle Likely To Join Yankees Bullpen On Wednesday
Tommy Kahnle, the right-handed reliever known for his fiery fastball and changeup combination, has been a crucial part of the New York Yankees’ bullpen in recent years. However, injury setbacks ruined his last season, and they came back to haunt the reliever in the spring as well. Due to delayed build-up, Kahnle missed the opening day. And a further setback in rehab further pushed his return back. However, after much hard work and grinding, Kahnle was able to kickstart his rehab assignment earlier this month. The relief arm appeared in five games and with the Double-A Somerset team and struck out 9 off the 12 hitters he faced. Kanhle finished his final appearance on Sunday, and barring no further setback, he should be able to rejoin the roster this week.
As per Yankees manager Aaron Boone, Tommy Kahnle could rejoin the team bullpen on Wednesday and will be available to pitch in the home series against the Seattle Mariners. Notably, Kahnle could likely replace Michael Tonkin, the emergency arm, in the Yanks bullpen. Tonkin seems on the brink of being designated for assignment after allowing four runs in 6.2 innings in his short stint in pinstripes. Undoubtedly, Kahnle’s return will help in managing the bullpen workload and provide a reliable arm for crucial situations. His presence allows Boone to better strategize the late innings of games. While Tommy will be pushed slowly upon return, as the season progresses, he will go on to become a crucial bullpen arm in the Bombers’ championship aspirations. Besides Tommy Kahnle, the Yanks seem likely to welcome back veteran third baseman DJ LeMahieu after a prolonged foot injury.
DJ LeMahieu To Play Back-To-Back Rehab Games
After aborting the first rehab assignment due to swelling, DJ LeMahieu commenced his second stint with Double-A Somerset Patriots on Sunday. DJ is yet to make his season debut after sustaining a foot injury during spring training. That being said, manager Aaron Boone has laid out the scheduled return plan for LeMahieu.
Apparently, DJ LeMahieu will take Monday off and play back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday. If all things go well, he also could be reinstated soon from IL. Moreover, if DJ makes a comeback, Jahmai Jones will likely be optioned to Triple-A to make space on the roster. Jones impressed with his maiden major league home run last week. But sadly, he would have to wait a little longer for his due.
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