Yankees designate relief pitcher for assignment in surprising roster move

The New York Yankees designated relief pitcher Michael Tonkin for assignment, the team announced Sunday.

In somewhat of a surprising move, Tonkin had been a reliable bullpen arm for the Yankees since he was claimed from the New York Mets on April 22.

Despite posting a 3.38 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 56 innings, the Yankees feel they need to make room with a handful of bullpen reinforcements on the way back from injuries.

Though Tonkin had been a reliable arm, his recent outings may have shown the writing was on the wall. Tonkin recorded a 2.36 ERA in 45.2 innings during the first half of the season. However, he posted a 6.98 ERA in 19.1 innings during the second half.

The Yankees need bullpen help in the worst way, and there's a chance they see the return of relievers Scott Effros, Lou Trivino and Ian Hamilton.

In a corresponding move, the Yankees selected right-handed pitcher Phil Bickford to the 40-man roster and promoted him to the active roster.

In 34 games and 45 innings pitched, Bickford posted a 3.00 ERA and 1.13 WHIP at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

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