Kahnle makes good first impression

DENVER -- Right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle is taking advantage of his opportunity to stay in the big leagues. A Rule 5 Draft pickup from the Yankees, Kahnle made his big league debut Thursday.

Called on in relief in the sixth inning in Miami, Kahnle got out of a two-on, one-out jam by striking out pinch-hitter Reed Johnson and getting Christian Yelich to ground out.

Kahnle did give up a run in the next inning, walking Giancarlo Stanton with one out, and giving up a triple to Casey McGehee. The reliever stranded McGehee on third by getting Garrett Jones and Marcell Ozuna to pop up.

"We got a great lift from Kahnle," said manager Walt Weiss. "Our bullpen was shot. We brought him in a tight spot and he was huge. That's a good sign."

Kahnle earned his spot on the Opening Day roster with a strong spring. He allowed one earned run, striking out nine and walking two in 11 2/3 innings over 11 appearances.