On Sunday, the New York Yankees made changes to their bullpen by designating one of their pitcher for assignment and promoting Phil Bickford from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
He had a record of 3-2 and a 3.38 ERA over 39 appearances since joining the Yankees from the New York Mets on April 26, initially excelled with a 1.84 ERA in his first 22 games. However, his performance declined, resulting in a 5.74 ERA over his last 17 appearances.
The Yankees now have seven days to trade, release, or outright send Tonkin to the minors.
On Saturday, Michael Tonkin gave up a two-run homer to Jake Cave in the Yankees’ 9-2 defeat to Colorado and allowed three runs during Cleveland’s six-run 12th inning on Tuesday.
“It was a tough decision today,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Tonk has been great, pitched well for us, and has been a great teammate. It’s a difficult call.”
This marks the fourth time this season Tonkin has been designated for assignment. Previously, he was cut twice in an 18-day span by the Mets and once by the Twins after a single appearance.
The 34-year-old right-hander began the season with the Mets but was designated for assignment on April 5. Four days later, the Twins acquired him for cash, only for the Mets to reclaim him off waivers on April 17.
The Mets signed Tonkin to a one-year deal in the offseason after he went 7-3 with a 4.28 ERA in 45 appearances last season with the Atlanta Braves. It was his first major league season since 2017. Tonkin, standing 6-foot-7, had previously pitched in five seasons with the Twins before stints in Japan, Mexico, the independent Atlantic League, and with three different Triple-A teams between 2018 and 2023.
Phil Bickford, who was promoted from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, had a rough stretch with the Yankees, allowing eight runs in five appearances from June 21-29. However, he performed well in the minors, going 3-4 with a 3.00 ERA in 34 appearances.
A former first-round pick, Bickford split last season between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Mets. Over his career, he has a record of 11-8 with a 4.70 ERA in 184 appearances with the Milwaukee Brewers, Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees.
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