Dodgers: Dave Roberts Opens Door for Tommy Kahnle on the Postseason Roster
Tommy Kahnle was activated from the 60-day injured list on Tuesday, returning to the Dodgers’ active roster after four months on the shelf. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts was asked whether Kahnle needs to prove himself in order to make the postseason roster, and his answer gave some insight into their expectations for the big righty.
“Obviously, with his track record, I expect him to be healthy, I expect him to pitch well, and I expect him to help us in the postseason.”
Dave Roberts said there won't be a pool celebration if the #Dodgers clinch the NL West tonight. pic.twitter.com/IPN04ZiWuk
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 14, 2022
With Blake Treinen’s status for the postseason in question after his return to the injured list last week, and with Brusdar Graterol and Yency Almonte still on the shelf, Kahnle could fill a very important role as a high-leverage right-handed reliever for the Dodgers.
When Kahnle has been healthy, he’s mostly been outstanding in his career. The questions stem from the fact that Kahnle has thrown just four innings this year and just five innings in the past three seasons combined. You have to assume there’s a little bit of wishful thinking when Roberts says “I expect him to be healthy.”
But if Kahnle is healthy, his skillset slots in nicely in the L.A. bullpen, especially if one or more of Treinen, Graterol, and Almonte don’t make it back. And if everyone is healthy and effective? Well, there are worse problems for a World Series contender to have.
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