While nothing is imminent, the Yankees are hoping to add a few internal relievers to their bullpen in the coming weeks and months.
Tommy Kahnle appears the closest to major league action, as he needs to throw one more bullpen before graduating to live hitters. Aaron Boone wasn’t sure if the righty would do that on Sunday or Monday, but the manager said Kahnle is eagerly progressing.
“I actually was texting with Tommy two days ago and he’s pretty excited about where he’s at now physically,” Boone said Sunday morning. “It feels like he’s getting to where he needs to be, which hopefully is a good sign.”
Kahnle’s 2023 season ended with shoulder inflammation. As a result, he’s had his throwing program delayed since arriving at spring training behind the eight ball.
If Kahnle can stay healthy — something he’s had trouble doing — he could give the Yankees another high-leverage reliever who would boost the bullpen’s strikeout rate, which has been at or near the bottom of the league.
Lou Trivino could also help in both ways, though he’s further away from his season debut after undergoing Tommy John surgery last May. Boone said that the right-hander is still a few weeks away from facing live hitters.
“Lou’s been doing really well, even when we were in spring,” Boone said. “A couple of his bullpens that I was able to see were really encouraging.”
Back in spring training, Trivino did not want to set a timeline for his return, but sometime over the summer made sense.
The same applied to Scott Effross, but the sidearmer has been battling “minor little hiccups” in his recovery from back and Tommy John procedures, according to Boone. The righty is still in the playing catch phase of his rehab.
“He’s doing pretty well,” Boone said, “but a little behind those guys.”
Peraza Not Ready to Play
Boone also said that infielder Oswald Peraza (shoulder inflammation) is hitting and deep into his throwing program. However, he’s still a few weeks away from playing in games.
SS Depth And An Odd Bench
Earlier in the week, Boone acknowledged that the Yankees don’t have much shortstop depth right now.
With Peraza and Jon Berti (groin) on the injured list, Oswaldo Cabrera is the backup at short. But Cabrera is also the Yankees’ starting third baseman and a backup at first with DJ LeMahieu (foot fracture) out.
Boone said that Jahmai Jones would play third if Cabrera is needed at short. However, Jones has barely played the hot corner as a professional.
“We’ve been working on it,” Jones said at the end of camp. “They’re popping me all over. So whatever the team needs me to do, I’m there. If Boonie calls on me and says, ‘Hey, we need you to play third,’ I’m not going to hesitate.”
The Yankees recently had Kevin Smith, capable of playing short and third, on their roster. However, they designated him for assignment when they claimed outfielder Taylor Trammell off waivers on Thursday. Smith was outrighted to Triple-A on Saturday.
With Trammell and Trent Grisham, the Yankees have two outfielders – and zero shortstops – on their bench. Fortunately for them, Anthony Volpe doesn’t need many days off.
How does Boone pick his catchers?
Going into the season, Jose Trevino and Austin Wells were expected to more or less platoon behind the plate. That’s played out as expected thus far.
Entering Sunday’s series finale against the Rays, Wells had played in 13 games despite hitting .091. Trevino, hitting well of late, had played in 11 contests but was scheduled to start against Tampa and catch Luis Gil for the first time.
When asked how Boone has been picking his catcher on a daily basis, the manager said the decision is “mostly” based on the opposing pitcher. The Yankees faced the right-handed Aaron Civale on Sunday, but he’s had reverse splits in his career.
“I want them to both play,” Boone said of his backstops. “A ton of confidence in both guys. Tough lefty, I’ve usually gone with Trevi. Civale’s a little bit of reverse, and Trevi’s been swinging the bat a little bit here this last week.
“So more the opponent because I feel a ton of confidence with both catchers with all our starters. I feel like that rapport and relationships are there. Don’t feel any trepidation with pairing two of our guys up.”