The New York Yankees suffered a lot of injuries last year. That really let them down. The Injured List (IL) was so long that, at one point, the Bronx Bombers had a hard time finding balance in the roster. When key players are on the IL, the chances of making the postseason diminish gradually. Moreover, the NY side failed to make the postseason. It was the first time that they had not qualified for the postseason since 2016. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers finished fourth in the American League East division. On top of that, they ended the season with a terrible record of 82-80 season. It was one of their worst season in franchise history.
Moreover, the Yankees vowed to bounce back hard in 2024. They have addressed the concerns in the offseason. After adding Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, Trent Grisham, and Marcus Stroman in the offseason, the Pinstripes ensured the balance they needed in the roster. The Spring Training has been going well for the Yankees. They are gearing up for the Opening Day. However, there is one common name from last year who is still questionable for being available on the opening day. And that’s the reliever Tommy Kahnle.
Reliever Tommy Kahnle Unavailable For Opening Day Again
Even in 2023, Tommy was not available for the Opening Day. Lately, the Yankees are trying to maintain the workload of Kahnle. In fact, they are gradually building it up in the Spring Training. The right shoulder inflammation ended the 2023 season for Tommy quite early last September. Anyhow, the Yankees manager mentioned the reliever has been part of bullpen sessions trying to improve his throwing. However, Kahnle has not yet thrown at a live batting practice this spring training. He has not even appeared in a Grapefruit League game this year.
On Monday, in the pre-game interview, Aaron Boone mentioned Kahnle is a little behind and might not be part of a spring training game until the very end. Moreover, the Yankees skipper was non-committal regarding Kahnle’s availability for the opening day. Boone was like “We’ll see” and said he assumes Kahnle will be ready by then. But the question is if they want him to have more games under his belt. Boone noted that it will be something they will have to decide. If Kahnle is not ready by the opening day, then there will be another bullpen spot that will be up for grabs.
Yankees May Look At Some Options Who Can Take Kahnle’s Spot
Tommy Kahnle sustained right bicep tendinitis last year. As a result, he started the 2023 season on the IL. He sustained that injury during spring training. As a result, that delayed his season debut as far as June 2. He is 34 years old. Kahnle entered the 2023 season signing a two-year deal worth $11.5 million.
Then, when he returned from injury, he pitched a 2.66 ERA and made 42 appearances. Moreover, he threw 40 2/3 innings until he went back on the IL again. Nick Ramirez, Ron Marinaccio, and Nick Burdi can claim Tommy’s spot for the opening day. Moreover, the Yankees won’t like to hear anymore players getting their names on the IL.
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