Another man down in New York Yankees camp as Tommy Kahnle suffers injury days ahead of his spring training debut.
The New York Yankees camp is reeling under injuries just weeks before the 2023 MLB regular season opening day. Moreover, the defense is taking the most hits as catchers and pitchers are raining down on the injury list. In a span of two weeks, the Yankees lost as many as three catchers with respective injuries, and their participation on the opening days remains doubtful.
Next up is the pitching rotation. Just a month into the off-season, the Yankees’ fifth starter, Frankie Montas, underwent surgery on his right shoulder. Additionally, Nestor Cortes pulled up a hamstring during a jog and skipped the World Baseball Classic 2023. In a fresh addition to the Yanks’ misery, another important pitcher is reportedly suffering from an injury.
Tommy Kahnle Injures Right Bicep, Put On A 10-Day Break
Relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle’s MLB career has been plagued by injuries ever since his first stint with the New York Yankees in 2017. After his 2020 season ended due to Tommy John surgery, the Yanks moved him out of the 40-man roster, and Kahnle entered free agency. Meanwhile, after a short stint with the Dodgers, the Yankees re-signed Tommy on a two-year deal worth $11.5 million. Moreover, this season, the pitcher was an important part of the 40-man roster. However, fate had its own play.
Just days before his spring training debut with the Yankees, Tommy Kahnle suffered an injury on his right bicep. As per Bronx Bombers manager Aaron Boone, the relief pitcher is suffering from right biceps tendinitis and has been asked to stop throwing activities for 10 days. However, the skipper assured the fans that they are monitoring his shoulder each day and there is no further damage. Hence, they expect Tommy to be up and running in a couple of weeks, possibly before opening day.
“We’ll be careful and not rush him (Tommy Kahnle),” said Aaron Boone.
Nestor Cortes Still Recovering From Hamstring Injury
In the meantime, New York Yankees starting pitcher Nestor Cortes is yet to heal from a hamstring pull. The pitcher skipped the WBC 2023 to move into rehabilitation and be healthy for the 2023 MLB season opening day. Further, Nestor took part in various live practice sessions and showed positive signs of improvement. However, Cortes’ absence from spring training has raised several questions about his injury status.
Aaron Boone has addressed the issue and said Nestor Cortes still needs about a week to 10 days to heal fully. Further, the pitcher is lagging behind on mandatory practice sessions one has to complete before spring training debut. However, the skipper expects Cortes to be ready for the opening day as he is a key part of the New York Yankees’ starting pitching rotation this season.
