Yankees pitcher Tommy Kahnle will likely have Tommy John surgery

The New York Yankees received some pretty bad news about Tommy Kahnle on Friday. 

The right-hander is likely headed for Tommy John surgery on his injured elbow, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone sounds upset about it. 

"He's probably headed for surgery," Boone said, according to ESPN's Marly Rivera. "Your heart goes out to Tommy, knowing it's a significant injury that has to get taken care of right now."

Kahnle had an MRI that revealed a right ulnar collateral injury. The 30-year-old first showed signs of discomfort during a workout at Camden Yards on Tuesday. 

Kahnle, who has been with the Yankees since 2017, has played an important role out of the bullpen for New York. Last season, Kahnle tossed 61.1 innings, going 3-2 with a 3.67 ERA, 88 strikeouts and a 1.060 WHIP. 

With Kahnle out, other relievers will have to rise to the occasion for the Yankees moving forward. Adam Ottavino, Chad Green and Zack Britton will specifically need to up their game. 

New York currently is 5-1 on the season, which is good enough for first in the AL East.