Former Dodgers Reliever Signs Major League Deal With Yankees

For the second time this season, the New York Yankees agreed to a major league contract with former Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Phil Bickford.

The right-hander pitched in five games at the end of June, during which his ERA soared to 14.40. However, in 34 appearances with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he has posted a 3.00 ERA and recorded five saves.

“He’s been doing a nice job,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of Bickford, “and he’s got some length to him. Probably can give us a couple innings if we needed it. … There was a number of people in the conversation for that but right now, seemed like the right guy to take.”

Bickford initially signed a minor league deal with the Yankees in April, and after being called up to the big league roster in late June, he struggled with a 14.40 ERA over five innings in five appearances before New York designated him for assignment. After clearing waivers in July, Bickford chose free agency instead of accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A. Now, after spending nearly eight weeks as a free agent, he’s set to return to the Bronx.

Bickford’s recent MLB track record hasn’t been impressive, but he performed well at the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate this season, giving the club enough confidence to sign him to a guaranteed deal. Since Bickford is out of minor league options, New York would have to designate him for assignment if they wanted to send him back to Triple-A.

Bickford has pitched in parts of five major league seasons with his best season coming in 2021, when he posted a 2.81 ERA over 51.1 relief innings for the Brewers and Dodgers. Los Angeles traded him to the Mets last season.

In a corresponding move, the Yankees designated Michael Tonkin for assignment. The move came as a surprise because it followed a stretch of consistency.

“Tough one today,” Boone said. “Tonk’s been great. He pitched well for us. He’s been a great teammate. So difficult decision there.”

Tonkin went 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA in 39 appearances after being claimed off waivers from the New York Mets on April 26. He excelled early on, posting a 1.84 ERA in his first 22 appearances with the Yankees, but struggled with a 5.74 ERA over his last 17 outings.