Michael Tonkin smiled and used three words to describe his current team.
“It’s awesome,” the right-handed reliever told The Post.
Tonkin considers himself lucky to be part of a Yankees team like this after his crazy April.
He was designated for assignment three times – twice by the Mets and once by the Twins, the Yankees’ opponent on Tuesday night – in the span of 17 days.
On April 25, three days after he was released a second time by the Mets, the Yankees claimed him.
The 34-year-old has been with them ever since, part of the team with the best record in the American League.
The right-hander pitched well for the Yankees, allowing just two earned runs in 15 innings while striking out 11 entering the game Tuesday.
“I feel like I’m throwing the ball well, I feel like I’m in rhythm and I’m comfortable,” said Tonkin, who didn’t throw in Win 5 -1 Yankees against the Twins Tuesday night. at the stadium. “When you’re on a team that’s really good and the starters start deep every time, it makes your job easier. It’s more fun.
His first outing did not go well, with Tomkin taking the loss in an extra loss to the Brewers on April 26.
The Twins designated him after a similar performance – he only appeared in one game for them – but he didn’t let that fear consume him.
Tonkin was coming off a good season with the NL East champion Braves, logging a career-high 80 innings in relief while pitching to a 4.28 ERA.
He signed a one-year contract with the Mets, then was looking for a new team on April 5.
“Obviously it’s frustrating, right? My goal is to become a major league pitcher,” he said. “Last year I pitched 80 innings for a team that won 104 games. I felt like I showed that I could contribute to a team and be a major player. Then you do a few hard rides and get out of there.
It didn’t work out with the Mets, but Tonkin ended up staying with the far superior New York team.
“It’s the dream to be part of a team like this,” he said. “Winning is fun, that’s for sure. And so, being here is special.
New York Post
