New York Yankees lose significant bullpen arm to Tommy John surgery

New York Yankees, Tommy Kahnle
Jul 31, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Tommy Kahnle (48) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees might have beaten the Boston Red Sox on Friday evening 5-1, but they lost a significant arm in Tommy Kahnle to Tommy John surgery. Kahnle, who pitched against the Baltimore Orioles several days ago, felt discomfort in his elbow during training which lead to the Yankees placing him on the 10-day injured list.

After the team’s victory over Boston, manager Aaron Boone stated that Kahnle was likely headed for surgery, which would force him out for the remainder of the 2020 campaign and possibly training camp in 2021.

Kahnle is a significant piece in the Yankees’ bullpen, and losing him could force the team to consider a younger option to fill his spot. In 2019, Tommy earned a 3.67 ERA with 88 strikeouts over 61.1 innings. The Bombers have several arms who can pick up more of the load in the meantime, but losing him will be a significant blow toward the bullpen.

I expect Jonathan Loaisiga, Adam Ottavino, Luis Avilan, Chad Green, David Hale, and others to supplement Kanhle’s departure.

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