The Yankees have announced that Phil Bickford has returned to the team under a new Major League contract, and the veteran right-hander has been added to the active roster. To make room, right-hander Michael Tonkin has been designated for assignment.
Bickford initially joined the Yankees on a minor league deal in April, and after being promoted to the big league roster in late June, he struggled, posting a 14.40 ERA over five innings in five appearances. The Yankees then designated him for assignment, and after clearing waivers in July, Bickford chose free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A. He now returns to the Yankees after spending nearly eight weeks as a free agent.
Phil Bickford: A New Opportunity in the Bronx
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70150990/1346292948.0.jpg)
Phil Bickford, a former first-round draft pick, has had a winding journey through professional baseball. Originally selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2013 MLB Draft, Bickford chose to attend college rather than sign, eventually being drafted again by the San Francisco Giants in 2015. His early professional career was marked by promise, but also by challenges, including a suspension for a positive drug test and a trade to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016.
Bickford’s journey took another turn when he was designated for assignment by the Brewers and subsequently claimed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021. With the Dodgers, Bickford found some success, becoming a reliable arm out of the bullpen during their 2021 campaign. He pitched in high-leverage situations and was part of the Dodgers’ strong bullpen that helped them reach the postseason. However, his performance has been inconsistent, leading to his availability and the Yankees seizing the opportunity to add him to their roster.
For the Yankees, Bickford represents a potential low-risk, high-reward addition. At his best, Bickford has shown the ability to strike out batters at a high rate with his fastball-slider combination. His fastball can reach the mid-90s, and his slider has proven to be an effective secondary pitch when he is commanding the strike zone. The Yankees’ coaching staff will be looking to unlock his potential and help him find consistency, which has eluded him at times during his career.
Given the Yankees’ recent struggles with injuries and inconsistency in their bullpen, Bickford could find himself in a key role if he is able to perform well. The Yankees have had to rely on a mix of veterans and younger arms throughout the season, and adding Bickford provides them with another option as they look to solidify their bullpen for a potential playoff push.
Michael Tonkin: A Difficult Decision
The decision to designate Michael Tonkin for assignment was not an easy one, but it reflects the Yankees’ need to make room for Bickford and address the ongoing challenges within their pitching staff. Tonkin, who has had his own share of ups and downs throughout his career, was brought in by the Yankees earlier in the season to provide depth and stability to their bullpen.
Tonkin, a veteran right-hander, has bounced around between the majors and minors over the years. He spent the early part of his career with the Minnesota Twins, where he showed flashes of promise but struggled with consistency. After a stint in Japan with the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Tonkin returned to the United States, where he worked his way back to the majors through various minor league contracts.
With the Yankees, Tonkin had a brief opportunity to prove himself, but his performances were mixed. While he showed the ability to get outs and pitch effectively in certain situations, he also struggled with command at times and was unable to establish himself as a reliable option in the bullpen. The Yankees, facing a roster crunch and needing to make room for Bickford, ultimately decided to designate Tonkin for assignment.
This move could lead to a few different outcomes for Tonkin. If he clears waivers, the Yankees could choose to outright him to the minors, where he would provide valuable depth in case of further injuries or underperformance from other relievers. Alternatively, another team could claim Tonkin off waivers, giving him an opportunity to continue his major league career elsewhere.
What This Means for the Yankees
The Yankees’ decision to sign Phil Bickford and designate Michael Tonkin for assignment underscores their ongoing efforts to improve their pitching staff as they contend with the challenges of a long season. The Yankees have faced numerous injuries to key players, and their bullpen has been heavily taxed as a result. By bringing in Bickford, the Yankees are hoping to add a fresh arm with the potential to make an impact down the stretch.
This move also reflects the reality of roster management in Major League Baseball. Teams must constantly evaluate their options and make difficult decisions to ensure they have the best possible roster available. For the Yankees, this means balancing the need to give opportunities to promising arms like Bickford while also making tough calls on veterans like Tonkin.
As the season progresses, the Yankees will continue to monitor their bullpen closely. If Bickford can find his groove and contribute effectively, he could become an important piece for the Yankees as they look to make a deep postseason run. On the other hand, if Tonkin is claimed by another team or returns to the minors, he could still have a role to play in the Yankees’ organization.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees’ bullpen will be a key factor in their success as the season enters its final stretch. With the addition of Bickford, the Yankees are betting on his potential to help stabilize their relief corps. If he can harness his stuff and deliver consistent performances, the Yankees may have found a valuable contributor at a crucial time.
For Michael Tonkin, the future remains uncertain, but his experience and perseverance could lead to another opportunity in the majors, whether with the Yankees or another team. Baseball is a game of constant change, and players like Bickford and Tonkin embody the unpredictable nature of the sport.
As the Yankees continue their quest for a postseason berth, every roster move matters, and the decision to bring in Bickford while designating Tonkin for assignment is just one of many steps the team will take in their pursuit of success. Fans will be watching closely to see how these moves play out and what impact they will have on the Yankees’ season.
