Yankees cut ties with Michael Tonkin just four months after signing
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Follow UsThe New York Yankees have designated Michael Tonkin for assignment and promoted Phil Bickford from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this Sunday before the Yankees’ 10-3 win over the Rockies, as part of a bullpen adjustment.
Michael Tonkin, 34, was acquired from the Mets in April and compiled a 3-2 record with a 3.38 ERA over 39 appearances. His early success, marked by a 1.84 ERA in his first 22 games, gave way to struggles, with a 5.74 ERA in his last 17 outings.
Yankees’ decision timeline
The Yankees have seven days to trade, release, or demote Tonkin. This move comes after a challenging week for Tonkin, who surrendered a two-run homer in Saturday’s 9-2 loss to Colorado and allowed three runs in the 12th inning of Tuesday’s 9-5 defeat against Cleveland.
“It was a tough decision,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “Tonk’s been great for us and a solid teammate. But we had to make the call.”
Bickford’s return
This is Tonkin’s fourth designation for assignment this season, having been cut twice by the Mets and once by the Twins earlier this year.
Phil Bickford, the 25-year-old right-hander, returns to the Yankees after allowing eight runs in five appearances earlier this season. At Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he posted a 3-4 record with a 3.00 ERA in 34 games. The former first-round pick, who has previously played for the Dodgers and Mets, has an 11-8 career record with a 4.70 ERA over 184 appearances.
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The big picture above looks like a left hander. The question to ask is what does Gerrit Cole think of Bickford. He was in the minors on rehab and has to know a lot more about this kid.