The 35-year-old right-hander is expected to stay behind in extended spring training for a couple of weeks as he builds back up following time off due to a rotator cuff strain. If all goes well, he should be able to join the Twins’ bullpen at some point before the end of April.

The strain is being called ‘slight,’ and the Twins plan on reevaluating Tonkin in the next 7-10 days. The right-hander was solid in 2024, and expected to be a mid-to-late inning option if healthy in 2025. His status for Opening Day, however, is obviously in question.

Tonkin, 35, was projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to earn $1.5 million via the arbitration process, so it looks like the team may have gotten a slight discount on this one. The right-hander appeared in 57 contests between the Twins, Yankees and Mets in 2024, registering a 3.63 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and an 85/30 K/BB ratio over 79 1/3 innings while notching a pair of saves. Expect him to work in a middle relief role once again for the Twins in 2025.

Tonkin was designated for assignment to make room for Phil Bickford by the Yankees on Sunday. Tonkin will have a chance to provide some middle-inning depth for the Twins as they look to claim a playoff spot; possibly even the AL Central title.