The New York Yankees will finally get a familiar face back this week, as they activated right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle from the injured list before Wednesday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners. Kahnle was recovering from an offseason shoulder injury, and his first appearance off the IL will mark his season debut.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees returned from rehab and reinstated RHP Tommy Kahnle (#41) from the 15-day injured list.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 22, 2024
Tommy Kahnle Activated Off IL After Offseason Shoulder Injury
A native of Latham, NY, a few hours up the Hudson from New York City, Kahnle has had multiple stints with the Yankees. He first arrived with the Bombers in 2017 via a trade with the Chicago White Sox. From there, he quickly established himself as a reliable reliever, having particularly strong campaigns in 2017 and 2019. Then, in 2020, Kahnle suffered a UCL injury, which required Tommy John surgery.
When he became a free agent that offseason, the Yankees decided to move on. He signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. They did not get much from Kahnle. Soon after he returned from the surgery in May 2022, he went back on the IL with forearm inflammation, not returning until September. In all, Kahnle pitched in only 13 games with the Dodgers. However, he put up strong numbers, pitching to a 2.84 ERA and a 0.632 WHIP in 12 2/3 innings.
In the 2022 offseason, the Yankees reunited with Kahnle, signing him to a two-year deal. He missed the first two months of 2023 with biceps tendinitis and made his season debut in June. From there, Kahnle was back to his old self. In 42 appearances, he had a 2.66 ERA, 48 strikeouts, and a 1.107 WHIP in 40 2/3 innings. He was a true bright spot in a down year for the Yanks.
Welcome back Tommy Kahnle, his rehab went well: 15 up, 15 down, 11 K’s https://t.co/nz6EyT4bK2
— James Smyth (@JamesSmyth621) May 22, 2024
In a corresponding move, the Yankees sent down reliever Clayton Andrews to Triple-A. Now, Kahnle bolsters an already formidable bullpen, and the hope is that his rash of injuries is finally over and he can contribute to a deep playoff run in the Bronx. If he does, the Yankees may end up bringing him back once more this offseason.
Photo Credit: © Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
