Tommy Kahnle is "a little behind" as he builds up strength following a shoulder injury and could start the season on the injured list, according to New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone.

"We'll see," Boone said when asked if Kahnle will be ready for Opening Day. "I think he'll be ready, but it's a matter of do we want him to have more games under his belt? That's what we're kind of deciding."

Kahnle, 34, was one of the Yankees' best relievers in 2023, but he battled injury.

The right-hander missed the first two months of the season with right biceps tendinitis before returning to post a 2.66 ERA in 42 relief appearances. He was then placed on the injured list in late September with right shoulder inflammation to end his campaign.