BALTIMORE (AP) - The New York Yankees purchased the contract of right-hander Brett Tomko from Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre before Saturday's game at Baltimore.
Must-read:
- Spencer: Ditch four-car rule
- Hill: Daly was unique
Must-see:
- Rosenthal: Longoria long, strong
- Hammond: Darlington recap
Top headlines:
- LeBron's 47 gives Cavs 3-0 lead
- Martin wins at Darlington
- NBA coaching legend Daly dies at 78
All of today's top stories >>
Worth a thousand words:
- Celebrities at Kentucky Derby
- Best shots from the NFL Draft
- Maxim's winning Hometown Hotties
View more photos >>
Tomko, who pitched for Kansas City and San Diego last year, signed a minor league contract with New York in February. The 36-year-old was 1-0 with an 0.64 ERA in 10 appearances at Scranton.
Although he has started 260 of his 368 major-league games, including 10 in 2008, he was used exclusively out of the bullpen at Scranton and had four saves.
"I didn't have a whole lot of opportunities with the team down there," Tomko said in the Yankees' clubhouse. "Not that I'm ever going to be a closer, but I thought it would be a good way to get into the heart of the game and pitch when it was on the line."
Tomko is 95-99 with eight big league teams. He was brought in to help a bullpen that had pitched to a 6.26 ERA and allowed 20 homers in 92 innings through Friday. In 14 innings with Scranton, Tomko struck out 17 while issuing only three walks.
Most importantly, he hasn't allowed any home runs, something that has plagued him his entire career.
Asked if he was told his role with the Yankees, Tomko said, "It doesn't really matter as long as you get out of there and get up here."
The Yankees optioned right-hander Dave Robertson to Scranton-Wilkes Barre after Friday's game.
