After just a week, the New York Mets decided to part ways with Michael Tonkin, a right-handed free agent, as they designated him for assignment ahead of Friday’s game to accommodate Julio Teheran’s arrival.
Tonkin, valued for his capacity to pitch multiple innings, faced challenging situations in his second and third outings. Thrust into action from the bullpen during extra innings twice, Tonkin suffered defeats on Monday and again in Thursday’s first game.
With a 4.50 ERA across 4 innings and 8 runs conceded, only 2 of which were earned due to the ghost runner rule in extra innings, Tonkin will be removed from the 40-man roster. Yet, this might not mark the end for him. Tonkin still has the opportunity to clear waivers and potentially accept a minor league assignment. Should he opt for free agency, he’ll waive his $1 million contract with the Mets.
The biggest silver lining with this Mets roster decision
Reed Garrett steps in as the immediate bullpen replacement for Tonkin, distinguishing himself with more minor league options compared to Tonkin’s none, alongside a win versus Tonkin’s two losses.
The removal of Tonkin not only satisfies some fans but also enhances the team’s flexibility to shuffle relievers, a luxury they lacked earlier in the season. This maneuverability proved crucial in Thursday’s game against the Tigers, demonstrating the rapid utilization of bullpen arms. Previously, the team couldn’t afford to call up players from Triple-A on short notice due to the risk of losing them through waivers.
Tonkin’s limited performance in his three Mets appearances doesn’t raise significant concerns about him being claimed, even considering his reduced salary now below $1 million. Nonetheless, his initial appeal to the Mets could attract interest from other teams, especially given the ongoing demand for bullpen arms. Hence, there might be a potential for a trade orchestrated by David Stearns to either prevent him from joining a rival team or generate cash considerations.
Ideally, Tonkin would remain within the organization, off the 40-man roster, and available for future needs. His circumstances were undoubtedly challenging on two occasions.
The decisive actions taken by the Mets’ front office serve as a warning to others, demonstrating their willingness to make bold moves in the team’s best interest. Recent decisions, such as favoring the signing of J.D. Martinez over nurturing Mark Vientos and the impending displacement of DJ Stewart, reflect this uncompromising stance, with more such decisions expected in the future.
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