Injury woes had large-scale negative implications on the New York Yankees 2023 season. From Aaron Judge to Giancarlo Stanton to Carlos Rodon, every impactful name on the lineup spent a ridiculous amount of time on the injury list. That eventually led to a collapse as the Yanks finished outside the postseason.
That being said, ahead of the impending 2024 season, the New York Yankees have regrouped in Tampa. The club is currently participating in the Grapefruit League and bossing up. However, as opening day inches closer, the Yanks roster does not seem to be shaping up as initially expected. A major injury scare awaits the franchise leading up to opening day.
Tommy Kahnle Likely To Begin 2024 Season On Injury List
The New York Yankees’ bullpen suffered a setback as reliever Tommy Kahnle‘s recovery from injury appears to be slower than anticipated. Kahnle missed the initial couple of months of the 2023 season on IL with a right biceps tendinitis injury. He returned to post a 2.66 ERA in 42 relief appearances before getting placed in IL again with right shoulder inflammation. That marked the end of his 2023 season. Regardless, ahead of the new season, the relief pitcher arrived in spring fully fit. However, the pitcher’s absence from spring games led to speculations. And recently, Yankee manager Aaron Boone confirmed fans’ worst nightmare. Boone reckoned Kahnle is lagging behind in shoulder injury recovery. “We’ll see,” Boone said when asked if Kahnle will be ready for opening day.
Apparently, Tommy Kahnle is expected to be fit to participate on the opening day. However, the New York Yankees perhaps do not intend to risk it. “I think he’ll be ready, but it’s a matter of do we want him to have more games under his belt?” added Boone. That being said, the news of Kahnle’s slower-than-expected recovery comes as a blow to the Yanks. The team had likely been counting on his presence in the bullpen to bolster their pitching depth. Nevertheless, in his absence, the Bronx Bombers will need to explore other options to fill the void in their bullpen. While they have several talented relievers on their roster, including Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Ian Hamilton, Kahnle’s absence leaves a noticeable gap in their bullpen depth. Overall, it would be interesting to see how the Yanks opening day roster shapes up in the aftermath of the latest setback.
Clarke Schmidt Stuns Yankees Fans Amid Blake Snell Rumors
Starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt has a target on his back this year after the Yankees were linked to Blake Snell. The reigning CY Young pitcher’s entry would lead to Schmidt’s exit from the rotation. And that pitcher is essentially aware of the evolving circumstances.
Recently, Clarke Schmidt used his opportunity to make a statement in his latest spring outing. He pitched four innings against the Miami Marlins and gave up just one hit, with zero runs and walks. While Schmidt bagged only one strikeout, his overall stay at the crease was a moment of euphoria for Yankee fans who no longer feel the need of Snell in the rotation.
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