Bengough's arm injury continued to hamper him during spring training in 1929 as Bill Dickey took over as the Yankees starting catcher, going on to a successful career and eventual induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1930, the Yankees released Bengough to the Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association. In July 1931, he returned to the major leagues with the St. Louis Browns, where he served as a backup catcher to future Hall of Fame member, Rick Ferrell. He played in his final major league game on September 24, 1932. Bengough then returned to the minor leagues where he served as a player-manager for the Washington Generals of the Pennsylvania State Association in 1933 and 1934. He became the player-manager of the Joplin Miners from 1936 to 1937 before retiring as a player at the age of 38.