Kahnle’s slow buildup could open another spot in bullpen
Tommy Kahnle is a bit behind schedule.
While the reliever has thrown some bullpen sessions since spring training began, Aaron Boone revealed Monday that Kahnle is building up slowly after shoulder inflammation ended his 2023 season a few weeks early. The righty is not currently injured, but he hasn’t thrown to live hitters yet.
Kahnle may not be ready for exhibition action until later this month, which means there’s a chance the set-up man won’t be on the active roster when the Yankees start their season in Houston on March 28.
“I think he’ll be ready [for Opening Day],” Boone said, per Nj.com’s Max Goodman, “but it’s a matter of do we want him to have more games under his belt. That’s what we have to decide.”
Kahnle, who returned to the Yankees via free agency two offseasons ago, also missed the start of last season. Bicep tendinitis and the shoulder inflammation limited him to 42 games, though he recorded a 2.66 ERA and 48 strikeouts over 40.2 innings.
The Yankees were already expected to have an opening in their bullpen with Scott Effross starting the year on the injured list due to back and Tommy John surgeries. So far, Nick Burdi has emerged as a popular choice to fill that spot, as the nonroster invitee has impressed with a 100-mph fastball, sweeper and changeup from a deceptive arm angle.
Kahnle’s delayed timeline may open a second spot in the pen. That could be good news for some relievers at the back of the Yankees’ 40-man roster, or some other nonroster invitees.
The Yankees have repeatedly talked up the latter group, which also includes Dennis Santana, Duane Underwood Jr., Yerry De Los Santos and Anthony Misiewicz, among others.
“I do feel like, without question, this is our best group of nonroster pitchers we’ve had in a camp,” Boone recently said, echoing sentiments that pitching coach Matt Blake has also shared.
While Santana has not received as much public attention as Burdi, Boone has singled out the righty when discussing under-theradar players in camp. The former Met has 143 games of MLB experience.
As for pitchers on the 40-man roster, Ron Marinaccio, Cody Morris, Cody Poteet, Clayton Andrews and Nick Ramirez are among those who could benefit from an extra relief opening. Boone specifically mentioned Andrews, De Los Santos and Santana while discussing some bullpen options during ESPN’S broadcast of Tuesday’s spring game against the Mets. Those three were on Tuesday’s travel roster, so don’t think of that as the full list of candidates.
As of now, Clay Holmes, Ian Hamilton, Jonathan Loáisiga, Victor González, Caleb Ferguson and Luke Weaver are expected to be in the Yankees’ bullpen.