Michael Tonkin Finds His Rhythm After an Eventful Season Start
In Kansas City, Mo., relief pitcher Michael Tonkin appeared on the mound twice in the last three games, throwing a combined total of 39 pitches. Yankees manager Aaron Boone, trying to give a break … Michael Tonkin, a relief pitcher for the New York Yankees, has found form after a difficult start to the season, with a combined total of 39 pitches in three games. The 34-year-old began his career with the Mets before being designated for assignment on April 5 and was then transferred to the Twins, Mets, and then the Mets. The Yankees acquired Tonkin on April 25 and he has significantly improved his performance, lowering his ERA to 0.89 over 20 innings and increasing his slider and two-seamer usage. Since joining the Yankees, Tonkin has worked his way up manager Aaron Boone's reliable pitchers list. He has also surpassed Billy Martin's record for the seventh-most managerial wins (556) in Yankees history.
Publié : il y a 10 mois par Aditya dans World
In Kansas City, Mo., relief pitcher Michael Tonkin appeared on the mound twice in the last three games, throwing a combined total of 39 pitches.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone, trying to give a break to Clay Holmes and other taxed bullpen arms, hesitantly enlisted Tonkin for a third appearance in four days.
Tonkin eagerly took the call to action. He prefers this type of tap on the shoulder — the signal to get ready and step into the game.
But too often during this season, he has experienced the other tap, the one signaling unwanted news.
“It’s good to get in a groove and get comfortable and be in a position,” Tonkin said, sharing his relief after earning his second career save in Monday’s 4-2 victory over the Royals at Kauffman Stadium, “where I’m not fearful of getting that dreaded tap after every game.”
Tonkin’s days of being on the cusp of release seem to be behind him.
Starting the year with the Mets, the 34-year-old faltered in three games and was quickly designated for assignment on April 5. The Twins scooped him up, utilized him once, and then also designated him for assignment. The Mets claimed him again, played him in two games, and, soon after, Tonkin faced yet another DFA.
Then, on April 25, the Yankees decided to take a chance on Tonkin, and they may have snagged themselves a gem.
Since joining the Yankees, Tonkin has significantly improved his performance, lowering his ERA to an outstanding 0.89 over 20 ¹/₃ innings, all thanks to increasing his slider and two-seamer usage. He has impressively managed to work his way up manager Boone’s reliable pitchers list.
On this particular night, Boone substituted Tonkin in after a strong seven innings from Carlos Rodon and a solid eighth from Ian Hamilton. Boone opted out of using Holmes, Weaver, and Fergusion, all due to recent heavy workloads.
Tonkin demonstrated “guts,” according to Boone, highlighting his fearlessness and competitiveness, which have made him a good fit with the team.
In the game, Tonkin walked one batter but then got the next two out, securing the win and his second save — a concept that seemed improbable just a few weeks earlier.
Tonkin commented on the unpredictable nature of his season so far, deeming it “chaotic” and acknowledging the rough start. But now, as he sees where he stands, he considers the struggle to have been worthwhile.
In other news, Anthony Rizzo, who has been experiencing a considerable slump, sat out for the second consecutive game.
With an OPS of just .623 and a 1-for-29 hit rate in June, Boone explained that Rizzo’s break is meant for both mechanical adjustments and a mental reset. DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera filled in at first and third base, respectively.
Boone and Rizzo will discuss his eventual lineup comeback on a daily basis.
Moreover, Boone has some personal news as he equaled Billy Martin’s record for the seventh-most managerial wins (556) in Yankees’ history. Boone paid homage to Martin, recognizing his significance as a manager and as a figure in Yankees’ lore.
Boone credits the achievements to the talented players he’s had the opportunity to manage.