TAMPA — This time last spring, Tommy Kahnley was struggling.
The Yankees relief pitcher said it’s still unlikely he’ll be ready for Opening Day for the second year in a row, but he’s not in any pain.
Kahnle pitched his sixth bullpen session of the spring on Wednesday and reported feeling good, but the Yankees have gradually strengthened him since his pitching program got off to a slow start due to shoulder inflammation that ended his season early last year. There is.
The veteran didn’t want to rule out the possibility that he wouldn’t be ready to start the season on time, but admitted he was “looking at it” about sitting out the opening game.
He hopes to pitch in a game around Week 1 of the season, but that could be in extended spring training or a minor league game.
Kahnle missed the start of last season due to biceps tendonitis that he developed after taking his first batting practice.
But he said this spring will be different because he’s “right behind me” and doesn’t have any injuries.
The 34-year-old said he typically begins his offseason pitching program around Thanksgiving, but had to wait until mid-December because the inflammation hadn’t subsided by then.
“It took longer than expected for the pain to go away,” Kahnley said after throwing a 20-pitch bullpen session. “It feels good. 1709782982. There’s no pain or anything. It’s just trucking. ”
Kahnley said he will likely pitch a few more times in the bullpen before moving on to live batting practice, and then needs to finish some bullpen practice before the game.
The Yankees hope their patient approach with Kahnle will help him stay healthy throughout the season, rather than dealing with anything down the road.
“Obviously, we knew there was inflammation there,” Kahnley said. “It just didn’t work out. [as quickly] Just like we thought. But it wasn’t anything serious or structural or anything. ”
Bullpen prospect Nick Vardy pitched solidly Wednesday as well, with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.
The right-hander, who has a history of injuries, has seven strikeouts in three innings this spring.
“I thought he was really efficient today,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I liked what I saw.”
The Yankees are targeting Jose Trevino (calf) to make his spring debut on Sunday.
Gerrit Cole will take live batting practice Thursday with Luke Weaver, who will start against the Tigers.
Marcus Stroman will start Friday against the Blue Jays.
The Yankees have relocated LHP Tanner Talley, C. JC Escala, and INF TJ Rumfield to minor camp.
