NORTH PORT, Fla. — The New York Yankees have suffered the first injury of their spring training and it impacts their bullpen. Pitcher Tommy Kahnle has been diagnosed with tendinitis in his right biceps and may not throw for 10 days, according to manager Aaron Boone.
Boone thought that Tommy Kahnle might still be ready for the start of the Yankees’ regular season.
“We’ll be cautious not to hurry him, but it should keep him in line,” Boone told reporters following the Yankees’ 10-6 win over Atlanta at CoolToday Park.
Tommy Kahnle is yet to throw in a Grapefruit League game for the Yankees. He had an MRI this week.
“We had it imaged and everything and there’s no change in his physical stuff and shoulder,” Boone said. “Just a little biceps tendinitis. So he should get through it in the next week and start ramping him up.”
In December, Tommy Kahnle signed a two-year, $11.5 million deal with the Yankees. This was his third time with the team.
The pitcher had Tommy John‘s surgery in 2020 and this ended his second time in The Bronx.
Last season, Tommy Kahnle came back from elbow surgery and played his first game with the Dodgers in May before being sidelined by inflammation in his right forearm. But he came back in September and pitched well all the way to the playoffs.
Only Ron Marinaccio in the Yankees bullpen has not yet pitched in a spring training game though he has recovered from a shin injury and took part in bullpen sessions. All others except Tommy Kanhle have had game exposures this spring.
Sunday was the last game for Gleyber Torres and Kyle Higashioka with the Yankees before they left to play in the World Baseball Classic. Both Torres (from Venezuela) and Higashioka (from the US) were excited to play in the event.
“It’s a huge opportunity for myself and all the players going to represent Venezuela to put on a really good show and maybe we can get the trophy for our country,” Torres said.
“That’s always been a dream of mine to represent the USA,” Higashioka said. “I didn’t really think it was in the cards, but when they offered me a spot, with the blessing of the [Yankees], I graciously accepted.”
Nestor Cortes will throw another live batting practice on Wednesday. After that, he should be ready to play in the Grapefruit League for the first time. Because of a hamstring strain, Cortes is about seven to ten days behind the other Yankees starters. Boone also confirmed that Gerrit Cole will start the season. Carlos Rodon will be the No. 2 followed by Luis Severino. The No. 4 slot may go to either Domingo German or Clarke Schmidt. Nestor Cortes will take the mound as their No. 5 starter.
On Sunday, the Yankees sent pitcher Sean Boyle, catchers Josh Breaux, Anthony Seigler, and Austin Wells, outfielder Elijah Dunham, left-handed pitcher D.J. Snelten, and right-handed pitcher Mitch Spence to the minor league camp.
What do you think, leave a comment below?
