The Los Angeles Dodgers have welcomed back several pitchers from the injured list over the past month and may see the returns of additional key contributors before the end of the regular season.
Among them are Tommy Kahnle, who has been out since May 17 with right forearm inflammation. After rehabbing for three months, the right-hander joined Triple-A Oklahoma City on Aug. 24 and has pitched in seven games thus far.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Kahnle has a good chance of being activated during the current series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, via SportsNet LA:
“Obviously we’ve got Tommy Kahnle here on the taxi, so to see him being activated at some point this series is very, very possible.”
Kahnle began the year on the IL while recovering from Tommy John surgery and did not make his 2022 debut until May 1. He pitched to a 6.75 ERA in four appearances before being put back on the IL due to right forearm inflammation that was related to the Tommy John operation.
Kahnle signed a two-year contract with the Dodgers during the 2020 offseason. Prior to joining the club he had established himself as a key member of the New York Yankees bullpen.
Tommy Kahnle could be key for Dodgers
Already envisioning a high-leverage role for Kahnle this season, his potential return is all the more imperative as Blake Treinen deals with shoulder soreness.
Although Treinen is expected to return in time for the postseason, being able to rely on Kahnle provides the Dodgers with some insurance and at the very least another candidate for late-game situations.
The Dodgers will need to make a move involving their 40-man roster once ready to activate Kahnle.
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