(Central Islip, N.Y., April 4, 2023) – Former Long Island Ducks relief pitcher Michael Tonkin made his first appearance back in the Major Leagues with the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, April 2. He becomes the 28th player in Ducks history to reach the Major League level after playing with Long Island.

“Michael proved he could succeed at a high level during his time with the Ducks,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “He earned this opportunity to achieve his Major League dream once again, and we congratulate him on this accomplishment.”

Tonkin pitched with the Ducks during the 2019 and 2021 season, also serving as the team’s bullpen coach during the latter. In 37 appearances, he compiled a 5-3 record with a 0.41 ERA and 16 saves. In 43.2 innings of work, he conceded just two earned runs on 19 hits and 14 walks while striking out 52 batters. The right-hander twice had his contract purchased while with the Ducks, joining the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019 and Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League in 2021.

The 33-year-old returns to the Major Leagues after spending five prior seasons at the game’s highest level, all with the Minnesota Twins (2013-17). He made 141 appearances with the Twins, totaling a 3-3 record with a 4.43 ERA and 149 strikeouts to 54 walks in 146.1 innings. The California native pitched in relief upon his return to the big leagues with the Braves on Sunday, retiring all seven batters he faced. He recorded a pair of strikeouts in Atlanta’s 4-1 defeat to the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park.

Tonkin becomes the second Ducks alumnus to be called up to MLB by the Braves after playing with the Ducks, joining Ken Ray (2002). He is also the fourth member of the 2019 Ducks championship team to reach the big leagues, joining Tim Melville, Sean Nolin and Zack Weiss.

PLAYER YEAR(S) WITH DUCKS PROMOTED BY PROMOTION YEAR
Michael Tonkin 2019, 2021 Atlanta Braves 2023
Zack Weiss 2019 Los Angeles Angels 2022
Rob Zastryzny 2021 Pittsburgh Pirates
Los Angeles Angels
New York Mets
2023
2022
2022
Deven Marrero 2022 New York Mets 2022
Jose Cuas 2018-19, 2021 Kansas City Royals 2022
Sean Nolin 2019 Washington Nationals 2021
Mickey Jannis 2015 Baltimore Orioles 2021
Emilio Bonifacio 2018 Washington Nationals 2020
Fernando Abad 2018 Baltimore Orioles
San Francisco Giants
2021
2019
Wilkin Castillo 2018 Miami Marlins 2019
Henderson Alvarez 2017 Philadelphia Phillies 2017
Quintin Berry 2017 Milwaukee Brewers 2017
Tim Melville 2017, 2019 Colorado Rockies
San Diego Padres
Minnesota Twins
2019
2017
2017
Rich Hill 2015 Pittsburgh Pirates
Boston Red Sox
New York Mets
Tampa Bay Rays
Minnesota Twins
Los Angeles Dodgers
Oakland Athletics
Boston Red Sox
2023
2022
2021
2021
2020
2016-19
2016
2015, 2022
Scott Rice 2008 New York Mets 2013-14
Lew Ford 2009, 2011-Present Baltimore Orioles 2012
Kip Wells 2010 San Diego Padres 2012
Justin Hampson 2010 New York Mets 2012
Joey Gathright 2010 Boston Red Sox 2011
Robinson Cancel 2010 Houston Astros 2011
Erick Almonte 2006 Milwaukee Brewers 2011
Jay Gibbons 2008 Los Angeles Dodgers 2010
Mel Stocker 2006 Milwaukee Brewers 2007
Nelson Figueroa 2006 Houston Astros
Philadelphia Phillies
New York Mets
2010-11
2010
2008-09
Ken Ray 2002 Atlanta Braves 2006
Bill Pulsipher 2004 St. Louis Cardinals 2005
Pedro Borbon Jr. 2003 St. Louis Cardinals 2003
Carlos Baerga 2001 Washington Nationals
Arizona Diamondbacks
Boston Red Sox
2005
2003-04
2002

The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8.5 million fans have enjoyed the Ducks brand of affordable, fun entertainment at Fairfield Properties Ballpark since inception in 2000. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season in 2023, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 45 million fans to its family-friendly ballparks throughout its 25-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.

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