The New York Yankees’ bullpen is on the verge of receiving a significant boost with the anticipated return of standout relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle. After an extended rehab period, Kahnle is expected to be activated from the injured list as soon as Wednesday, according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, as reported by MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. Kahnle has been working his way back from right shoulder inflammation, which landed him on the 15-day IL at the start of the 2024 season.
Tommy Kahnle set to return to Yankees’ bullpen
Tommy Kahnle’s journey back to the mound included stints with the Single-A Tampa and Double-A Somerset Patriots, starting on May 14. He has not pitched in a regular-season game since the previous year, as his 2023 season was cut short in late September due to injury. His offseason throwing program was delayed until December, and a minor setback in early April further extended his time away from the team.
Despite Tommy Kahnle’s absence, the Yankees‘ bullpen has excelled, leading Major League Baseball in ERA (2.54), batting average against (.202), and win probability added (WPA) at .399 as of Sunday. The team’s starting rotation, even without the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole, has also been impressive, contributing to the Yankees’ league-best 3.23 runs allowed per game.
Manager Aaron Boone’s effective bullpen management has been a highlight of the season. The emergence of Luis Gil has provided additional depth, and closer Clay Holmes has been outstanding, delivering an All-Star caliber performance with 13 saves and an ERA of 0.00 over 19.1 innings. Other key contributors include starter Clarke Schmidt and reliever Luke Weaver, both part of the top scoreless inning streaks in the American League.
Tommy Kahnle, who turns 35 on August 7, is in the final year of his two-year, $23 million contract. His return comes at a crucial time as the Yankees aim to maintain their strong performance. With a record of 32-15, the Yankees currently hold the second-best record in baseball, trailing only the Philadelphia Phillies (33-14). They sit atop the AL East, two games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles (28-15).
The Yankees are on a five-game winning streak, which matches their longest winning stretches of the season, including the start of the season and another streak from May 3-8. They are aiming for a sixth consecutive win to sweep the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.
Tommy Kahnle’s return will further fortify an already dominant bullpen, providing Boone with another reliable arm as the Yankees continue their pursuit of postseason success. With the bullpen’s impressive performance so far, Kahnle’s addition could be the extra push the team needs to maintain their lead in the AL East and continue their winning momentum.
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The only downside to adding Kahnle is that we really only have one guy, in Weaver who you can say can go multiple innings every time that guy takes the ball.