Blue Jays' Yates out multiple weeks with flexor strain
The Toronto Blue Jays announced Monday that right-hander Kirby Yates is expected to miss multiple weeks with a flexor strain in his right arm, according to the Toronto Star's Laura Armstrong.
The Blue Jays are reportedly continuing to gather information about his injury, and there isn't an exact timetable for his return.
Obviously not good news for #BlueJays bullpen or Yates on his one-year deal.
— Scott Mitchell (@ScottyMitchTSN) March 22, 2021
Nate Pearson missed about 5 weeks with same injury last year but zero guarantee of that swift timeline.
Bullpen will be fluid situation. They really like Jordan Romano in the “most important outs” role.
Yates battled arm discomfort and inflammation with the Padres last season and appeared in only six games before undergoing season-ending surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow.
Toronto signed the 33-year-old to a one-year, $5.5-million deal in January. He was expected to be the team's closer on Opening Day.
"I would say it's his job to lose," pitching coach Pete Walker said Friday, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. "He has a tremendous track record, he's closed a lot of major-league games, and he's one of the best relievers in baseball."
In 2019, Yates owned a 1.19 ERA and led MLB with 41 saves.