The Los Angeles Dodgers have several pitchers who are working their way back from injuries.
One of them is reliever Tommy Kahnle, who has been out since undergoing Tommy John surgery back in 2020.
Last night, in the Dodgers’ spring training exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels, Kahnle saw game action for the first time since he was shelved due to his elbow troubles, and he looked quite good.
Kahnle managed to strike out Angels shortstop Tyler Wade on three pitches, with him topping out at around 95-mph.
In total, Kahnle threw 18 pitches, 15 of which were strikes, and the only runner that reached base did so on an error.
Encouraging outing for Tommy Kahnle, first time in game action since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020. https://t.co/zEmKzpg0ox
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 6, 2022
On The Path To Recovery
This is encouraging to see if you’re the Dodgers.
Kahnle is a valuable piece in their bullpen and to get him back and healthy would be a major boost for a team that already has its sights set on the World Series after a busy offseason which saw them sign Daniel Hudson and trade for Craig Kimbrel to boost their bullpen, as well as sign Freddie Freeman.
Kahnle would make the Dodgers that much deeper if he can return and pitch like he used to pitch.
It’s also encouraging for him as well.
This is the first time he has seen any game action since he got hurt and he looked pretty good in his first outing back.
If he can still touch 95 after all of the elbow struggles, then he is definitely on the right track in his quest to return from Tommy John surgery, which is incredibly difficult to come back from.
But Kahnle looked sharp and if he continues on this path, the Dodgers bullpen will gain a valuable arm when he returns.
NEXT: Dodgers Prospect Had The Best Debut Possible Against Shohei Ohtani