New York Yankees fans, take a deep breath and exhale. Righty reliever Tommy Kahnle’s 2024 comeback is being marked by a stark contrast to the pain that plagued him last spring. “Now the Yankees’ reliever says he is pain-free, even if he is still unlikely to be ready for Opening Day for the second straight year,” reports The New York Post. This time, it’s not an injury that’s holding him back; it’s simply a matter of ramping up after a delayed start following last season’s shoulder issues. And Kahnle isn’t rushing the process.

The source of Tommy Kahnle’s delayed start was lingering shoulder inflammation. “It just took longer than I expected for the pain to go away,” Kahnle revealed in an interview post a 20-pitch BP outing. His typical offseason throwing routine was postponed until mid-December, highlighting the cautious approach to his recovery. It looks like the pitcher is on his way to shine bright this season.

The veteran is aiming for a measured return around the season’s first week, potentially in simulated Spring Training or minor league games. While the temptation to push harder might be there, both he and the Bombers are playing the long game. “The Yankees are hoping their patient approach with Kahnle will help him stay healthy throughout the course of the season, rather than dealing with something else down the line,” notes The Post. This cautious strategy stems from the lingering effects of an offseason hurdle Kahnle had to overcome.

While Kahnle focuses on his health, another bullpen arm is making waves. Nick Burdi, a right-hander with his own history of injury issues, has been dominant this spring. “Today I thought he was really efficient with his stuff,” manager Aaron Boone praises. Could Burdi’s strong performances provide valuable depth as Kahnle completes his rehab?

On another positive note for the Yankees, catcher Jose Trevino is back after battling a calf injury. His return will be a welcome boost to the lineup as Kahnle continues to work his way back to the mound, with his spirits remaining high despite the previous setback.

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“It feels good [now]. No pain, no nothing. Just been trucking,” said the pitcher after a recent bullpen session. Yankees fans can anticipate seeing that familiar fire back on the mound soon enough, and perhaps with an even more dangerous arsenal…

Unraveling Tommy Kahnle’s Secret Weapon

A two-seam fastball, with its subtle movement and deception—one that he reportedly “started throwing… late last season,” according to Pinstripes Nation—could be a game-changer for Kahnle. His typical four-seamer and changeup combination has served him well, but adding another dimension to his repertoire makes him even more unpredictable for opposing hitters.

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Kahnle’s focus in recent outings has been on mastering the movement of his new pitch. Ideally, the two-seamer should break away from lefties and exhibit an upward trajectory. “It just didn’t clear up [as quickly] as we thought,” Kahnle admits, “but it wasn’t anything serious, no structural or anything.”

While still behind schedule, the pitcher remains optimistic about a swift return. He recently completed a simulated game and anticipates needing just a few minor-league rehab assignments before rejoining the Bombers’ bullpen. And the timing couldn’t be better for a Yankees relief corps adjusting to life after Michael King and Wandy Peralta’s departure.

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Clay Holmes, another key figure in the bullpen, noted that Tommy Kahnle’s return will help fill the void. He praised Kahnle’s energy and vocal leadership—qualities that should boost morale as the season progresses. Kahnle’s enthusiasm itself is infectious, with the team even adopting his love for March Madness.

It’s not just a new pitch Kahnle brings; it’s also renewed energy and the potential for a career resurgence. The world will be watching closely when the revitalized Kahnle, armed with his deceptive new two-seamer, takes the mound. Will this added dimension be the difference-maker that the New York Yankees need in their quest for another World Series title this year?