Michael Tonkin
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
2024Neon4200027063.16934135784.83
2025Neon1300001016.0141091725.62
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 13 2025Tonkin (biceps) has been activated from the 60-day injured list and has accepted an assignment to Triple-A St. Paul, Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin began the season on the shelf due to a strained right shoulder before experiencing biceps tendinitis during a rehab assignment. While he's finally healthy, Tonkin will continue at the Triple-A level.
Jun 7 2025Tonkin (shoulder/biceps) threw a scoreless inning Saturday with a walk and strikeout in a rehab outing for Triple-A St. Paul. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin started the season on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain. He was cleared for a rehab assignment in mid-April and made six appearances in the minors, but his throwing program was paused due to right biceps tendinitis. He's started up another rehab assignment and could be activated from the injured list later this month.
May 23 2025Tonkin (shoulder/biceps) resumed playing catch this week after two cortisone shots for tendinitis in his right biceps, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin started the season on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain. He was cleared for a rehab assignment in mid-April and made six appearances in the minors, but his throwing program was paused due to right biceps tendinitis. It's encouraging that he's making progress, but he's likely out until the All-Star break or later.
May 16 2025The Twins transferred Tonkin (shoulder/biceps) to the 60-day injured list Friday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin started the season on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain. He was cleared for a rehab assignment in mid-April and made six appearances in the minors, but his throwing program was paused due to right biceps tendinitis. Tonkin's lastest setback could mean that the veteran right-hander is on the shelf until the All-Star break. Ryan Fitzgerald was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul in a corresponding move.
May 11 2025Tonkin (shoulder) has developed biceps tendinitis during his rehab assignment and will receive an injection, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's not clear what treatment he'll receive for the tendinitis, but this will be a significant setback. He was nearing the end of his 30-day rehab stint in the minors, so he'll need to start the process again when healthy. Tonkin suffered a right shoulder strain early in spring training and began the season on the injured list. He had made six rehab outings before developing the biceps issue.
May 10 2025Tonkin (shoulder) suffered a setback during his rehab assignment, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. He's made six rehab outings between Low-A Fort Myers and Triple-A St. Paul, allowing eight earned runs with a 10:4 K:BB ratio in 7.2 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Details on his setback are not clear, but his timetable to return is now uncertain. Tonkin suffered a right shoulder strain early in spring training and began the season on the injured list.
Apr 17 2025Tonkin (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin landed on the 15-day injured list before the season with a right shoulder strain, but he's ready to test things out in a game setting. Barring a setback, the veteran reliever will have a shot to rejoin the Twins' bullpen before the end of April.
Apr 6 2025Tonkin (shoulder) has started throwing bullpen sessions in extended spring training, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin suffered a right shoulder strain early in spring training and began the season on the injured list. He's likely multiple weeks away from returning, but at least he's starting to make progress.
Mar 26 2025The Twins placed Tonkin on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a right shoulder strain. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin hasn't pitched in a game since Feb. 28 due to his strained shoulder. It's unclear how far along he is in his rehab, but his extended hiatus from game action likely means he'll require a rehab assignment in the Twins' minor-league system before making his season debut with the big club.
Mar 16 2025Tonkin (right shoulder strain) will begin the season on the 15-day injured list, Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin is apparently making progress but won't be ready in time for Opening Day. He last pitched Feb. 28. The Twins bullpen will be a little thin at the start of the regular season with Tonkin, Brock Stewart (knee) and Justin Topa (shoulder) all dealing with injuries.
Mar 8 2025Tonkin is working through a right shoulder strain and will be re-evaluated in 7-to-10 days, Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin last pitched against the Orioles on Feb. 28 when he allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning. He'll work on progressing enough in his recovery to be in position to return to the mound shortly after being evaluated by medical staff. Tonkin appeared in 57 regular-season games between the Twins, Yankees and Mets in 2024 and posted a 4-4 record with a 3.63 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, two saves and an 85:30 K:BB across 79.1 innings.
Nov 22 2024Tonkin agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with the Twins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin started the 2024 regular season on the Twins' roster, then spent stints with the Mets and Yankees before finishing the year back in Minnesota after being claimed off waivers in late August. He appeared in 57 games between the three organizations, posting a 3.63 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 79.1 innings while primarily serving in a middle relief role.
Aug 27 2024The Twins claimed Tonkin off waivers from the Yankees on Tuesday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It will be the third overall stint with the Twins and second this season for Tonkin, who made one appearance for Minnesota back in April before being booted from the 40-man roster. Tonkin had allowed eight runs over his final 7.2 innings with the Yankees but pitched well for them overall with a 3.37 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 57:21 K:BB in 56 innings. He'll be used in middle relief by Minnesota.
Aug 25 2024The Yankees designated Tonkin for assignment Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: For the fourth time this season, Tonkin has now been removed from an organization's 40-man roster, after the Mets (twice) and Twins previously designated him for assignment. The Yankees claimed Tonkin off waivers from the Mets in April, and he had generally pitched well during his time in The Bronx, logging a 3.37 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 57:21 K:BB in 56 innings. However, with the Yankees in need of a fresh relief arm for Sunday's series finale with the Rockies, Tonkin ended up being the odd man out to make room on the roster for Phil Bickford, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Given his strong body of work out of the New York bullpen, Tonkin stands a good chance of being claimed off waivers by another team.
Aug 14 2024Tonkin allowed two hits and struck out two without walking a batter over three innings to earn the save in Wednesday's 10-2 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Yankees pulled ahead in the seventh inning and then rallied for more in the eighth, so Tonkin stayed in the game and ended up with his second save of the year. This was just his second scoreless appearance in nine outings since the All-Star break. He's added one hold this season while rarely featuring in high-leverage spots. Tonkin has a 3.21 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 63:22 K:BB over 61.2 innings between the Yankees, Mets and Twins in 2024.
Jun 10 2024Tonkin earned a save against the Royals on Monday, walking one and striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin was called upon to protect a 4-2 lead in the ninth inning and worked around a walk to secure his first save of the season and second of his career. Usual closer Clay Holmes pitched three times in the past four days, so it was a rare appearance in the role for Tonkin. He now owns a 2.45 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 30:11 K:BB ratio in 29.1 combined innings pitched for the Twins, Mets and Yankees in 2024.
Apr 25 2024The Yankees claimed Tonkin off waivers from the Mets on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being DFA'd for the third time this month Monday, Tonkin will now move from Queens to the Bronx and nab a spot on a 40-man roster. The 34-year-old right-hander has allowed six earned runs across nine innings between the Twins and Mets this season and will likely be limited to low-leverage situations with the Yankees. McKinley Moore was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Apr 22 2024The Mets designated Tonkin for assignment Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the third time this month that Tonkin has been DFA'd and the second time the move has been made by the Mets. The veteran reliever could clear waivers and would have the option to elect free agency.
Apr 17 2024The Mets claimed Tonkin off waivers from the Twins on Wednesday, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin doesn't have any minor-league options remaining, so he'll be added to the Mets' 26-man active roster and will presumably join the big club for the start of its series three-game series in Los Angeles versus the Dodgers this weekend. New York designated lefty Tyler Jay for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster for Tonkin, who has allowed four earned runs on eight hits and three walks over six innings across his four relief appearances this season between the Twins and an earlier stint with the Mets.
Apr 13 2024Tonkin was designated for assignment Saturday. He gave up two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out five over two innings in Friday's loss to Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin was traded to the Twins from the Mets for cash Tuesday as a way to fill in the bottom of the Minnesota bullpen. His reward for throwing two innings was for the Twins to jettison him for another reliever. Tonkin may chose to accept an outright assignment if he's not claimed off waivers as the Twins will likely need him again this season.
Apr 9 2024Tonkin was acquired by the Twins from the Mets on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was designated for assignment by the Mets on Friday and will now make his way to the Twin Cities. Tonkin made three appearances for New York this season and allowed two earned runs with a 3:1 K:BB over four innings.
Apr 5 2024Tonkin was designated for assignment by the Mets on Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The transaction frees up a spot on the 26-man and 40-man rosters for Julio Teheran. Tonkin allowed eight runs (two earned) over four innings covering three relief appearances with the Mets. There would seem to be a good chance the 34-year-old passes through waivers unclaimed.
Apr 2 2024Tonkin (0-1) took the loss Monday as the Mets were downed 5-0 in 10 innings by the Tigers, getting charged with five unearned runs on only two hits in an inning of relief. He didn't walk or strike out a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After nine scoreless innings, the 10th was a disaster for the Mets, as a hit-by-pitch on Mark Canha and a Joey Wendle fielding error contributed to the meltdown. Tonkin has yet to give up an earned run in three innings to begin the season while posting a 2:1 K:BB, but his lower-leverage role limits his fantasy appeal even in NL-only formats.
Mar 29 2024Tonkin will begin the season on the Mets' 26-man roster, Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Sean Reid-Foley (shoulder) landing on the injured list, the Mets were able to find room for both Tonkin and Yohan Ramirez in the bullpen. Tonkin saw his first big-league action since 2017 last season with Atlanta, posting a 4.28 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 75:23 K:BB over 80 innings and winning seven games. The 34-year-old righty is expected to fill a long relief role in New York.
Mar 21 2024Tonkin has a 0.00 ERA through 5.1 Grapefruit League innings with a 6:2 K:BB, but he isn't guaranteed a spot in the Mets' Opening Day bullpen, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 34-year-old right-hander revived his career with Atlanta in 2023 as a long reliever, and he signed a $1 million split contract with New York in December. Tonkin's primary competition for the final spot in the Mets' bullpen is Yohan Ramirez, but both pitchers could make the initial roster if Sean Reid-Foley (arm) has to begin the year on IL. Phil Bickford and Shintaro Fujinami are also in the mix for the final two spots, but the latter has minor-league options remaining and the former hasn't been as impressive in camp.
Dec 5 2023Tonkin signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Mets on Tuesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 2023 marked Tonkin's return to the majors after six seasons, and he logged a 4.28 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with a 75:23 K:BB across 80 innings. The 34-year-old righty will likely operate as a multi-inning reliever in a Mets bullpen that struggled to find consistent success last season.
Oct 6 2023Tonkin will be on Atlanta's roster for the NLDS versus the Phillies, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 33-year-old right-hander essentially won out over Kyle Wright for the primary long relief gig. Tonkin struggled down the stretch in the regular season, but he was a bullpen workhorse for the NL East champs over the course of the year while logging 80 innings across 45 appearances.
Jun 16 2023Tonkin picked up the save in Thursday's 8-3 win over the Rockies. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out six over 3.1 scoreless innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin was dominant in relief Thursday to earn his first career save. He now sports a 3.21 ERA with a 0.95 WHIP and a 28:7 K:BB through 33.2 innings this season. While the 33-year-old Tonkin won't see any ninth-inning usage, he could work his way into a higher-leverage role with Atlanta while Jesse Chavez (lower leg) is on the IL.
Jun 8 2023Atlanta activated Tonkin (neck) from the 15-day injured list Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin is back to fill a multi-inning bullpen role for the current NL East leaders after needing a couple weeks off due to a neck injury. Roddery Munoz was sent out in a corresponding roster move.
Jun 6 2023Tonkin (neck) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin has missed the last week-and-a-half with a neck injury but is feeling well enough to test things out in a rehab setting. He's eligible for activation on Thursday, so he might need just one rehab appearance before rejoining Atlanta's bullpen.
May 8 2023Tonkin (3-1) picked up the win in Sunday's extra-innings victory over the Orioles, striking out one over two perfect innings of relief. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 33-year-old has made a remarkable return to the majors this season after last seeing time on an MLB roster in 2017 with the Twins. Tonkin has a 1.89 ERA, 0.58 WHIP and 15:3 K:BB through 19 innings, and while his role in the Atlanta bullpen limits his fantasy value, he's already tied his career high in wins and could end up vulturing a few more before the campaign is through.
Mar 26 2023Tonkin has been informed that he has made the Opening Day roster, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tonkin was added to the 40-man roster by Atlanta to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, and while he has forged a 5.87 ERA in 7.2 innings in the Grapefruit League, he's done enough to win a job to begin the season. It may be a short stint for Tonkin, however, as Bowman suggests Tonkin is likely the arm that gets sent down when Atlanta promotes Dylan Dodd for his start against the Cardinals next Tuesday.
Nov 10 2022Tonkin was added to Atlanta's major-league roster Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander joined Atlanta on a minor-league contract for 2022 and will now enter the offseason on the big-league roster. Tonkin spent the campaign at Triple-A Gwinnett and had a 3.17 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 73:15 K:BB over 48.1 innings. He hasn't appeared in the majors since 2017 with Minnesota.
Nov 8 2017Tonkin's rights were sold to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball by the Twins on Tuesday, Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press reports.Tonkin is expected to serve as the closer for the team moving forward, and will receive a guaranteed deal of $2.1 million over the next two years. The right-hander only appeared in 16 games after pitching in 65 for the Twins in 2016, and didn't do much to warrant any real fantasy upside, as he accumulated a 5.14 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over 21 innings out of the club's bullpen.
Sep 5 2017Tonkin had his contract selected by the Twins on Tuesday.Tonkin will rejoin the big club after being designated for assignment by the Twins back in May. He posted an impressive 1.73 ERA and 61:13 K:BB through 41.2 innings with Triple-A Rochester, but his 6.55 ERA across 11 big-league innings this season will likely limit his opportunities to lower-leveraging situations. J.T. Chargois (elbow) was shifted to the 60-day disabled list to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for Tonkin.
May 13 2017Tonkin cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.As expected, Tonkin will remain in the Twins organization as a farmhand. Given his 6.52 ERA in the majors this season, he'll likely just act as an organizational depth piece from now on.
May 6 2017Tonkin was designated for assignment on Saturday, the Star Tribune's Phil Miller reports.The news hit Tonkin hard, as he has spent his entire pro career with the Twins, but it should not come as a surprise considering he has a 6.52 ERA and 1.97 WHIP in 9.2 innings this season. He will likely pass through waivers and report to Triple-A Rochester.
Apr 24 2017Tonkin has given up six runs, three of them earned, over seven innings to kick off the 2017 season.Tonkin has not pitched in any significant situation yet this season, entering in the middle innings or on mop-up duty. He has struck out nine and walked five, while allowing seven hits. In 2016, the 27-year-old surrendered 80 hits over 71.2 innings on his way to a 5.02 ERA.
Mar 29 2017Tonkin has made the final roster as a reliever, Phil Miller of The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.The right-hander had plenty of opportunities to prove his worth this spring, compiling a 4.38 ERA over 12.1 innings in Grapefruit League play. Tonkin will look to improve upon a mediocre 2016 campaign in which he finished with a 5.02 ERA over 65 appearances along with an 80:24 K:BB ratio. Look for him to serve regularly as a middle-reliever.
Mar 23 2017Tonkin gave up a run over two innings in Wednesday's spring training loss to Houston. He's competing for a final spot in the bullpen with J.T. Chargois and Alex Wimmers, Patrick Reusse of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.Tonkin has a 4.35 ERA this spring and nine strikeouts in 10.3 innings, but he's allowed six walks. He allowed 12 home runs and had an ugly 5.02 ERA in the majors last year, but had a promising 10.1 K/9. The final bullpen spot may not be decided until the final days of spring training.
Sep 10 2016Tonkin (shoulder) had no issues following a bullpen session Friday and should be available to return Sunday, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Tonkin has been out since Sept. 2 due to shoulder fatigue, but it sounds like he'll be able to return to duty in the next few days.
Sep 9 2016Tonkin (shoulder) hopes to be cleared to return after throwing from flat ground Saturday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.He threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Friday, throwing all of his pitches, and will throw from flat ground again Saturday in hope of getting cleared by the medical staff. His 25.5 percent K-rate is solid enough, but his 4.30 ERA and 1.41 WHIP leave a lot to be desired.
Sep 5 2016Tonkin (shoulder) is set to play catch again Tuesday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Tonkin performed the same activity over the weekend to encouraging results, but hasn't yet been cleared to begin throwing off a mound as part of a bullpen session. Until that happens, Tonkin can't be deemed especially close to returning to active duty out of the Twins' bullpen.
Sep 4 2016Tonkin (shoulder) was able to play catch Saturday and came away encouraged by this session, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. "[The shoulder] is a little bit better [Saturday], but still a little sore," Tonkin said. "I'll just take it day by day and see what happens."Tonkin has labeled his condition as "biceps tendinitis with some level of shoulder impingement" and could be sidelined for a few more days while he waits for the soreness to dissipate. The 26-year-old has seen heavy usage out of the Twins' bullpen this season, covering 63.2 innings over 56 appearances and posting a 4.95 ERA and 1.41 WHIP.
Sep 2 2016Tonkin is dealing with shoulder fatigue and will be unavailable "at least" through the weekend, according to manager Paul Molitor, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.It's not clear when Tonkin first started feeling a "dead arm," but he was rocked for nine earned runs over three outings between Aug. 23-26 and has not pitched since. The Twins are hoping a couple more days off will get him healthy again, but he could be sidelined further.
Aug 15 2016Tonkin has allowed seven earned runs, including three homers, over his last 10 appearances, spanning 14.1 innings.The 26-year-old has been inconsistent this year posting a 0.88 WHIP in July, but a 1.61 WHIP in May and 2.14 so far in August. He also hasn't gotten the opportunity to pitch in close games, earning just two holds all year on three chances.
Jun 8 2016Tonkin pitched 1.2 innings in Tuesday's victory over the Marlins, retiring each of the five batters he faced.Although his ERA has risen to 3.10 after being in the realm of 2.00 for the first month and a half of the 2016 campaign, Tonkin has made strides to improve his game, particularly in terms of pitch control. After walking seven batters in his first 12 innings of action, Tonkin has walked only two in the 17 innings that followed. His strikeout rate has also improved from 2015's mark of 19 percent to 28 percent.
Mar 30 2016Tonkin has won a job in Minnesota's bullpen. He'll be used initially as the long reliever, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.Tonkin would appear to be an odd choice for long reliever since he hasn't started a game since 2011. If he shows success in relief it likely won't be long before the Twins move another pitcher into the long reliever role.
Mar 22 2016Tonkin threw two scoreless innings in Tuesday's spring training win over Baltimore. He had given up seven runs in his first five innings this spring.Tonkin does have five strikeouts and no walks. He'll need a few more good outings this spring to win a bullpen role as it's not clear if he'll make the final 25-man roster.
Aug 31 2015Tonkin will be recalled from Triple-A Rochester before Tuesday's game, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Tonkin had a 1.10 ERA and 46:5 K:BB ratio in 41 innings at Triple-A. Despite his struggles in the majors (6.17 ERA in 11.2 IP), he could still carve out a middle relief role next season and will help with depth in September.
Aug 15 2015Tonkin was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.He was optioned down to make way for Tommy Milone, who will start Sunday after spending time on the DL with a flexor strain. Tonkin's most recent appearance in the majors was brief, pitching 0.2 innings in Friday's game against the Indians. He gave up one run on two hits and didn't look entirely comfortable on the mound. That being said, he did manage to compile a pleasant 1.29 ERA in 35 innings at Triple-A Rochester and could be one of a handful of Twins' relievers in prime position for a September call-up.
Aug 14 2015Tonkin was recalled from Triple-A on Friday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press reports.Tonkin will return from Rochester for the first time since June, taking the roster spot of Blaine Boyer, who was placed on the DL Friday with elbow inflammation. At Triple-A, Tonkin holds a tidy 1.29 ERA while limiting batters to just a .168 average. He also boasts a 41:5 K:BB in 35 total innings.
Jun 24 2015Tonkin was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, Tyler Mason of Fox Sports North reports.Tonkin allowed a grand slam to Dexter Fowler in his last outing, raising his ERA from 4.50 to 5.73. Although only two of those runs were earned, it was still the fourth home run Tonkin his allowed in 11 innings of work this season. The Twins have the day off Thursday and will wait until Friday to make a corresponding roster move.
Jun 10 2015Tonkin was recalled from Triple-A Rochester, Tyler Mason of Fox Sports North reports.Tonkin has made 12 appearances so far this season with the Twins in multiple stints with the team. He has a 5.63 ERA in eight innings with seven strikeouts. Tim Stauffer was designated for assignment after allowing a 6.60 ERA in 13 appearances with Minnesota.
Jun 4 2015Tonkin was optioned back to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday.He served as the 26th man for Wednesday's doubleheader and will be sent down prior to Thursday's game. Look for Tonkin to continue to provide organizational bullpen depth.
Jun 2 2015Tonkin will be recalled and serve as the 26th man on the roster for Wednesday's doubleheader against Boston, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Tonkin will likely be sent down after the game, but he could stay on the roster if Ricky Nolasco goes on the DL with a sore ankle.
Apr 29 2015Tonkin will be recalled to the Twins, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.With Casey Fien leaving Wednesday's game with right shoulder soreness and likely heading to the disabled list, Tonkin seems poised to get another chance in the Minnesota bullpen.
Mar 20 2015Tonkin was optioned to Triple-A Rochester, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Tonkin had a poor showing this spring with a 6.75 ERA as he gave up another run in an inning of work Friday. Tonkin thrived at Triple-A last year with a 2.80 ERA and 9.2 K/9 and has a mid-90s fastball that is sorely needed in the Minnesota bullpen. He could be called up early in the season as a result.
Mar 18 2015Tonkin gave up three hits and a run in one inning of work in Tuesday's preseason win over Baltimore. He's given up two runs and seven hits in three innings this spring.Tonkin thrived at Triple-A last year with a 2.80 ERA and 9.2 K/9 and has a mid-90s fastball that is sorely needed in the Minnesota bullpen. However, he's no lock to make the bullpen this spring and he's had an up-and-down performance in the majors. Still, there's not a clear cut successor to Glen Perkins at closer should he get hurt, so Tonkin could figure into that mix.
Sep 1 2014Tonkin will be recalled from Triple-A Rochester prior to the Twins' game Tuesday against the White Sox, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.Tonkin will offer the Twins a hard-throwing, right-handed option in relief in September, though the team may understandably shy away from using him in crucial spots. He floundered in his 15 appearances with the big club earlier this season, giving up eight runs on 15 hits and six walks over 12.1 innings.
May 18 2014Tonkin was optioned to Triple-A Rochester following Sunday's loss to the Mariners, Tyler Mason of FOX Sports North reports.Tonkin came on to pitch a scoreless eighth inning Sunday before he was sent out to make room for Chris Herrmann, who was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move. The Twins wanted to carry a 12-man staff when they play in National League parks this week.
May 15 2014Tonkin is likely to be sent to Triple-A before the Twins play at San Diego and San Francisco next week, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Tonkin has given up six runs in his last three outings over 1.2 innings.The Twins will move to a 12-man pitching staff when they lose the DH at NL parks. Tonkin looks like the odd man out amid his struggles with a 6.35 ERA and just a 8:6 K:BB ratio in 11.3 innings.
Apr 11 2014Tonkin will be recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, LaVelle Neal of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.Tonkin will take the place of Josh Willingham on the active roster, after Willingham was placed on the 15-day DL on Friday. The 24-year-old Tonkin throws hard and has shown the ability to make batters whiff in the high minors, but he's probably best suited for low-leverage work with the Twins at this stage in his career.
Apr 3 2014The Twins optioned Tonkin to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.Tonkin got to spend the first few days of the season with the big club while Brian Duensing was on the paternity list, but he will head to Rochester with Duensing returning to the team Thursday. Tonkin will be among the top options should the Twins need to bring up a reliever at any point.
Mar 30 2014Tonkin will be called up by the Twins on Monday, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.Tonkin will take the roster spot of Brian Duensing, who will be placed on the paternity list on Monday. The is just temporary, as Duensing should return within a few days, but Tonkin will continue to be one of the Twins' primary options when this type of situation arises.
Mar 24 2014Tonkin was optioned to Triple-A Rochester.Tonkin had 8.1 scoreless innings this spring with five strikeouts and two walks and drew raves from the Twins coaching staff for his mid-90s fastball. He should be among the first relievers called up if there's an opening in the majors.
Mar 18 2014Tonkin has thrown six scoreless innings this spring with five strikeout and is in contention to win a spot in the major league bullpen, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.It's not clear what pitcher would lose a spot if Tonkin begins the season in the majors, but manager Ron Gardenhire is intrigued by his mid-90s fastball. If Tonkin begins the season in Triple-A, this is a sign he could be called up early in the year.
Sep 15 2013The Twins have been working with Tonkin to throw his slider more often, MLB.com reports.Tonkin had a good strikeout rate in the minors, on the strength of his 95 mph fastball, but the team believes he needs to very his speed and pitches more often at the big league level to throw off opposing hitters' timing.
Sep 8 2013Tonkin was recalled by the Twins following Sunday's game, Brandon Warne of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities reports.Tonkin's success at Double-A New Britain didn't translate after his promotion to Triple-A, as he posted a 4.41 ERA over 32.2 innings, but the 23-year-old will gain valuable experience working out of the big league bullpen over the final month.
Aug 23 2013Tonkin has been optioned back to Triple-A Rochester, according to Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.Tonkin made just one appearance during this brief call-up, tossing a scoreless inning but allowing three hits and a walk with one strikeout. He'll likely be back in September when rosters expand, but his role will likely be minimal.
Aug 20 2013Tonkin was recalled from Triple-A Rochester.Since being optioned back to Rochester in mid-July, Tonkin had a 3.95 ERA with a 14:2 K:BB ratio in 13.2 IP. He'll work in middle relief for the Twins.
Jul 13 2013Tonkin was sent down to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.Tonkin was recalled Wednesday but appeared in just one of four possible games, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings with one strikeout in his major league debut. He'll continue to act as organizational bullpen depth.
Jul 10 2013Tonkin was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, Tyler Mason of FOX Sports North reports.Tonkin will provide the Twins with an extra bullpen arm after Caleb Thielbar was placed on the bereavement list in a corresponding move. The 23-year-old has never pitched in the majors but has ascended in the organization by striking out 46 batters over 39 relief innings split between Double-A and Triple-A this season.
Jul 9 2013Tonkin will be called up from Triple-A Rochester on Thursday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.Tonkin will fill Caleb Thielbar's spot for the Twins while he goes on the bereavement list from Thursday-to-Saturday. Tonkin has spent time in both Double-A and Triple-A this season, and he's compiled a 1.32 ERA in 13.2 innings at Triple-A Rochester.
Mar 12 2013Tonkin was optioned to Double-A New Britain. However, he made a strong impression in big league spring training with four scoreless innings and GM Terry Ryan appeared to leave the door open he could be called up this summer. "Hopefully he'll go to Double-A and do the same thing," Ryan told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "Maybe he will be on the fast track."Tonkin had a 2.08 ERA and 97:20 K:BB ratio in 69.1 innings last season between Low-A Beloit and High-A Fort Myers and then was impressive in the Arizona Fall League (2.45 ERA). He's a little too old at age 23 to be a top prospect, but he could become an effective reliever for the Twins if he can maintain his strikeout rates and control at higher levels.