Righty is also fourth Ducks closer to join MLB or foreign organization in 2019
(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 19, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks today announced the contract of right-handed pitcher Michael Tonkin has been purchased by Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He will report to the team’s Triple-A affiliate in Reno, Nev. Tonkin becomes the 15th member of the 2019 Ducks roster to have his contract purchased by a Major League or foreign organization.
Tonkin made 21 appearances with the Ducks, all in relief. He compiled a 3-2 record with a spectacular 0.34 ERA, allowing just four runs (one earned) in 26.2 innings of work. The five-year MLB veteran recorded seven saves and conceded just 10 hit and nine walks while striking out 31 batters. Opponents batted just .120 against Tonkin as well. The California native made 13 consecutive appearances without yielding an earned run to begin his Ducks career, and he struck out at least one batter in all but five of his relief appearances.
Following is the complete list of 2019 Ducks players whose contracts have been purchased:
| PLAYER (POS) | MLB TEAM/FOREIGN LEAGUE | CLUB ASSIGNMENT | TRANSACTION DATE |
| Michael Tonkin (RHP) | Arizona Diamondbacks | Reno Aces (AAA) | 08/19/19 |
| T.J. Rivera (INF) | Washington Nationals | Harrisburg Senators (AA) | 08/04/19 |
| Enrique Burgos (RHP) | Mexican League | Leones de Yucatan | 07/19/19 |
| Travis Banwart (RHP) | Chinese Professional Baseball League | Fubon Guardians | 07/16/19 |
| Josh Lueke (RHP) | Mexican League | Leones de Yucatan | 06/27/19 |
| Alec Asher (RHP) | Chinese Professional Baseball League | Uni-President Lions | 06/20/19 |
| Sean Nolin (LHP) | Seattle Mariners | Tacoma Rainiers (AAA) | 06/06/19 |
| Darin Downs (LHP) | Mexican League | Acereros de Monclova | 06/04/19 |
| George Kontos (RHP) | Washington Nationals | Fresno Grizzlies (AAA) | 05/25/19 |
| Bennett Parry (LHP) | Mexican League | Pericos de Puebla | 05/22/19 |
| Jose Cuas (RHP) | Arizona Diamondbacks | Hillsboro Hops (A) | 05/22/19 |
| Tim Adleman (RHP) | Detroit Tigers | Toledo Mudhens (AAA) | 05/11/19 |
| Ivan De Jesus Jr. (INF) | Chicago White Sox | Charlotte Knights (AAA) | 05/07/19 |
| Tim Melville (RHP) | Colorado Rockies | Albuquerque Isotopes (AAA) | 05/03/19 |
| Jon Niese (LHP) | Seattle Mariners | Tacoma Rainiers (AAA) | 04/25/19 |
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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