Twins reclaim Michael Tonkin from Yankees as AL wild-card race heats up

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The rollercoaster that has been Michael Tonkin’s 2024 season took another twist on Tuesday as the New York Yankees announced that the right-hander has been claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins. This marks Tonkin’s fifth MLB stint this season, and a return to familiar territory, as he had briefly pitched for the Twins earlier this year.

Yankees lose ‘fearless’ pitcher Michael Tonkin to AL contender

Michael Tonkin’s journey this season has been anything but smooth. After signing a one-year deal with the Mets in December, he started the season in Queens but struggled early, posting a 4-inning stretch where he allowed eight runs (two earned) before being designated for assignment (DFA) in April.

The Mets traded him to the Twins for cash considerations, but the Twins quickly DFA’d him as well. In a surprising turn, the Mets reclaimed him, only to let him go again on April 22 after a brief and uneventful three-inning stint. The Yankees then stepped in, claiming Tonkin off waivers on April 25.

Initially, Michael Tonkin thrived in the Bronx. Over his first 17 games with the Yankees, he posted an impressive 0.77 ERA across 23.1 innings, becoming a reliable arm in the bullpen. His fearless approach and competitive spirit quickly earned him the trust of Yankees manager Aaron Boone.

“He likes the fire. He likes the competition,” Boone said in June. “He’s got guts. He’s fearless out there and really, really competitive. He’s fit in well in that room, and I trust giving him the ball.”

However, the summer months were less kind to Michael Tonkin. His performance started to wane, and over his next 22 appearances, he allowed 19 earned runs over 32 2/3 innings, resulting in a 5.23 ERA. His final outing with the Yankees came on August 24, when he allowed two earned runs in 1 2/3 innings against the Colorado Rockies.

With Michael Tonkin’s departure, the Yankees lose a pitcher who, despite his recent struggles, showed flashes of brilliance and a willingness to compete under pressure. As the Twins sit at 72-59, clinging to the final AL wild-card spot, they’re banking on Tonkin to bolster a bullpen that has struggled with a 4.40 ERA since July 1, ranking 21st in the league.

For Michael Tonkin, this move represents yet another chance to prove himself at the highest level, and for the Twins, it’s a gamble on a pitcher who has shown he can be effective when he’s in a groove. As the season winds down and the playoff race intensifies, both sides hope this latest chapter in Tonkin’s unpredictable season will have a happy ending.

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