New York Mets Place Veteran Pitcher On Waivers For 3rd Time This Month

Once again, the New York Mets have made the decision to designate Michael Tonkin for assignment for the second time this month.

Tonkin, 34, experienced a whirlwind of transitions, initially being DFA'd on April 5th, then traded to Minnesota, only to return to the Mets following his second designation by the Twins on April 13th.

The Mets have designated Michael Tonkin for assignment

Tonkin was DFA'd by the Mets initially on April 5, traded to the Twins for cash considerations on April 9, DFA'd by the Twins on April 13, brought back by the Mets on April 17, and has now been DFA'd again pic.twitter.com/lAIKZzP4p1

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 22, 2024

With these rapid changes, Tonkin's performance has faltered this season, evident in his 6.00 ERA across six relief appearances.

In contrast, the Mets welcomed back right-hander Sean Reid-Foley from the injured list, providing a potential reinforcement to their pitching staff. Reid-Foley, 28, returns with prior experience with the Mets, having appeared in eight games for them in 2023. Additionally, the team made bullpen adjustments, calling up left-hander Josh Walker while optioning right-hander Grant Hartwig to Triple-A Syracuse.

Carlos Mendoza talks about the Mets designating Michael Tonkin for assignment for the second time this month:

"Yesterday he saved our bullpen. These guys, they got families, and it's hard to deliver the news. It's a business. He understood, obviously disappointed" pic.twitter.com/trbVRt4PT4

— SNY (@SNYtv) April 22, 2024

Over his seven-year career, the 34-year-old holds a 4.44 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, with 235 strikeouts across 235.1 innings and 192 appearances.

As a result, there likely won't be many, if any teams rushing to claim Tonkin off the waiver wire. Photo Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports