Tommy Kahnle 'A Little Behind' in Build-Up

The 34-year-old relief pitcher could start the season on the injured list.

The New York Yankees could be starting the 2024 season without one of their key relievers. 

Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed that Tommy Kahnle is "a little behind" in his build-up this spring. Boone mentioned that Kahnle is throwing bullpens, but is unlikely to appear in a game until the end of the month and might not be available for Opening Day. Greg Joyce of the New York Post was the first to report Kahnle's status.

Tommy Kahnle is a a little behind the rest of the relievers because of a slower buildup from the shoulder issue that ended his season last year. He’s been throwing bullpens but may not get in a game towards the end of spring, per Boone.

— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) March 4, 2024

During the final week of the 2023 season, Kahnle was shut down due to shoulder inflammation. The 34-year-old right-hander made 42 appearances last season, his biggest workload since 2019 after appearing in only 14 games from 2020 to 2022. Despite not beginning his season until June 2 due to bicep tendinitis, Kahnle was one of the Yankees' most effective relievers last season, recording a 2.66 ERA and not allowing a run in his first 16 appearances. He would pitch 40.2 innings and struck out 48 batters.

Although Kahnle is recovering from the shoulder issue at a slower pace than originally scheduled, Boone believes he will be available for Opening Day; the Yankees are moreso looking to manage his workload, according to Jorge Castillo of ESPN.

"I think he'll be ready, but it's a matter of do we want him to have more games under his belt? That's what we're kind of deciding," Boone said.

The Yankees are set to begin the season on Thursday, March 28 on the road against the Houston Astros. If Kahnle isn't available by then, the Bronx Bombers will have to look for another high-leverage reliever to set up closer Clay Holmes.