JUPITER, Fla. — For the second year in a row, Tommy Kahnle’s opening day appearance is in question.
The Yankees have been slow to increase the relief pitcher’s workload in spring training due to inflammation in his right shoulder that ended his season in early September of last year.
Aaron Boone said Kahnle has been practicing in the bullpen but has not yet taken live batting practice or appeared in a Grapefruit League game.
“Tommy is a little behind,” Boone said Monday night before the Yankees faced the Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. “He probably won’t play until near the end of the spring.”
When asked if Kahnle would be ready for Opening Day, Boone declined to say.
“Let’s see,” he said. “I think he’s ready, but the question is whether we want him to play more games. That’s for us to decide.”
Kahnle started last season on the disabled list after suffering right biceps tendonitis during spring training, and his season debut was postponed until June 2.
The 34-year-old signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract for the 2023 season, appearing in 42 games and pitching 40 innings with a 2.66 ERA before returning to the IL in late September. .
If Kahnle isn’t ready to start the season on time, another bullpen spot will be up for grabs.
Scott Efros, who started the season on the IL after offseason hip surgery, already has at least one spot open, along with Nick Vardy, Ron Marinacio (who struggled early in the game), and Nick Ramirez. are competing for that slot.
Fellow relief pitchers Clay Holmes and Jonathan Loaisiga have also not yet made their Grapefruit League debuts, but Holmes is scheduled to make his debut Tuesday against the Mets and Loaisiga is scheduled to pitch in a game later this week.
Oswaldo Peraza (strained shoulder) has been traded to the Yankees and is scheduled to start at second base on Tuesday against the Mets, one week after suffering his first scrape in the game.
Boone said Friday that Peraza was feeling some “soreness” in his shoulder after practice, but that has apparently subsided and the infielder, who competes for a spot on the bench, can return to the game.
“He’s good to go now,” Boone said.
Boone texted Josh Donaldson on Monday after the veteran third baseman announced his retirement. Donaldson struggled mightily during his two seasons with the Yankees, but Boone praised Donaldson’s work style.
“Obviously he didn’t necessarily accomplish as much as he wanted to or as we hoped because of injuries and performance,” Boone said. “But I respect the person and the player. He did his job. [butt] off. he wanted it. Whether it was an injury or something, he continued to stumble throughout his career, unable to regain his former self. I admire him for working so hard until the end. ”
