The New York Yankees have taken steps to strengthen their bullpen by acquiring right-handed pitcher Michael Tonkin from the Mets via waivers. This move follows Tonkin’s recent designation for assignment by the Mets. Concurrently, the Yankees have designated right-hander McKinley Moore for assignment to clear space for Tonkin on the roster.
Yankees bolster bullpen with addition of Tonkin amidst roster shuffle
At 34 years old, Tonkin has experienced a whirlwind of transactions this season. After being non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves, he signed with the Mets but was swiftly designated for assignment. He then moved to the Minnesota Twins on a cash deal before returning to the Mets via waivers. Now, Tonkin finds himself joining the Yankees.
Despite the frequent changes, Tonkin has managed to pitch nine innings this year. While his ERA stands at 6.00, his underlying stats are more promising, with a solid strikeout rate of 23.9%, a walk rate of 8.7%, and a ground ball rate of 44.4%, aligning closely with league averages.
During his time with the Braves last season, Tonkin showcased his reliability, pitching 80 innings across 45 appearances with a 4.28 ERA. His strikeout rate was 23.1%, with a 7.1% walk rate and a 38.3% ground ball rate. Despite his effectiveness, Tonkin’s lack of options has led to his frequent movement between teams, as he remains sought after by clubs in need of bullpen depth.
With Tonkin joining the roster, the Yankees must make room for him on the active roster upon his arrival. Pitchers Ian Hamilton and Ron Marinaccio were initially named as possibilities to be demoted. However, the third name that was buzzing to suffered a change was Cody Morris, which was confirmed following the Yankees’ loss to the Oakland Athletics on Thursday night.
One of the reasons behind this decision was that Hamilton had been playing a crucial role in high-leverage situations, which made him unlikely to be sidelined, otherwise, Cody Morris didn’t show that he had some value to add in the roster anymore.
Yankees DFA McKinley Moore over control issue
To add Tonkin to the 40-man roster, the Yankees have designated McKinley Moore for assignment. Moore, claimed off waivers from the Phillies in February, has struggled with control issues, evident in recent outings where he walked six out of nine batters faced.
Moore’s control problems extend to his major league debut last year, where he walked 23.8% of batters faced. Despite a career minor league strikeout rate of 32.6%, his inconsistency with command remains a concern. With a fastball averaging 97.2 miles per hour and a secondary arsenal, Moore’s future with the Yankees hangs in the balance as the team has one week to either trade him or pass him through waivers. Nonetheless, his potential may still attract interest from teams seeking a long-term project.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
I’m guessing Marianaccio, who they weren’t pitching up here will be sent back down to make room on the active roster.