The New York Yankees are eagerly awaiting the return of several pitching arms from injury, yet their resilience shines through, boasting the second-best ERA in baseball at an impressive 2.86, just behind the Cleveland Guardians.
Despite minimal investments in the bullpen, pitching coach Matt Blake continues to showcase the power of strategic management over high-priced acquisitions. This is exemplified by their latest discovery, Michael Tonkin, a 34-year-old right-handed relief pitcher who has faced challenges in recent seasons.
Tonkin embarked on his 2024 season with the New York Mets, had a brief stint with the Minnesota Twins, and ultimately landed with the Yankees, where he has pitched 17.2 innings and maintains an exceptional 1.02 ERA.
While Tonkin struggled with a 4.28 ERA in 80 innings last season with Atlanta, Blake’s adjustments to his pitch sequence have revitalized the veteran, who boasts 253 major league innings since his debut in 2013.
After a hiatus from major league play, Tonkin’s return showcases a newfound efficiency, particularly with his sinker, leading to improved accuracy rather than relying solely on movement.
Since donning the pinstripes, Tonkin has fine-tuned his arsenal, notably his sinker, resulting in reduced spin rate and enhanced precision. His June statistics speak volumes, with a .091 batting average against his slider and a .200 average against his sinker.
Tonkin’s emergence epitomizes the Yankees’ ability to extract value from lesser-known players, compensating for their hefty investments elsewhere. Their cost-efficient pitching unit, ranking among the top 2 in ERA, deserves greater recognition and appreciation.
During a crucial matchup against the Dodgers, Tonkin showcased his mettle by shutting down Shohei Ohtani, illustrating his growing reliability in high-pressure situations.
As the Yankees build confidence in Tonkin’s capabilities, they may find themselves less pressured to pursue costly bullpen reinforcements, relying instead on their newfound gem to anchor pivotal moments.
