Tommy Kahnle’s path toward Yankees injury comeback has slowed ‘a little bit’.

PHOENIX — Tommy Kahnle’s return to the Yankees has encountered another speed bump. The reliever, who began the season on the 15-day disabled list after a delayed start to his offseason throwing program due to a shoulder ailment that halted his season last year, has been sidelined once more.

Kahnle did not recover as quickly as expected during a live batting practice session in Tampa last week, which has hindered his progress “a little bit,” manager Aaron Boone said Monday before the Yankees’ 5-2 victory against the Diamondbacks.

“So he’s back in his throwing program,” Boone said before defeating the Diamondbacks 5-2 at Chase Field. “I don’t know how long that slows him.”

The Yankees had planned for Kahnle to return during the April 12-14 series in Cleveland, but that date will most likely be pushed back.

The 34-year-old right-hander was expected to throw in at least a few rehab games before rejoining the Yankees, but Boone acknowledged Monday he had no idea when Kahnle would begin his recovery assignment.

Despite having relievers Scott Effross and Lou Trivino on the 60-day injured list, the Yankees’ bullpen pitched 15 ¹/₃ scoreless innings in their season-opening series against the Astros. Kirk Cousins’ cousin is the latest addition to the Yankees’ bullpen.

Jake Cousins was activated to the roster on Monday after being acquired in a Sunday trade with the White Sox for monetary considerations. The right-handed reliever spent spring training with the White Sox after signing a minor league contract in December, but was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate to begin the season.

Instead, the Yankees jumped in to deal for him and quickly added him to their bullpen. “I know our guys are really excited about him,” he remarked.

“From scouts to front office, analysts, [they] believe we’ve got a talented guy with some untapped potential.” I know we enjoy his talent.”

Cousins, the new Falcons quarterback’s cousin, is a big slider-sinker pitcher, which corresponds to the type of arm the Yankees have previously used successfully.

The 29-year-old, who has a 3.08 ERA in 51 big league appearances over parts of three seasons, still has one minor league option, giving the Yankees some flexibility with him.

To make place for Cousins on the roster (both the 26-man and 40-man), the Yankees designated left-hander Tanner Tully for assignment.

The Yankees published their minor league affiliate rosters on Monday. Notable assignments include top prospect OF Spencer Jones, LHP Brock Selvidge, and C Ben Rice to Double-A Somerset; LHP Kyle Carr and 2B Roc Riggio to High-A Hudson Valley; and SS George Lombard Jr. and SS Roderick Arias to Single-A Tampa.