Blue Jays' projected closer Kirby Yates out multiple weeks with strained arm
The Canadian Press | Posted: March 22, 2021 8:39 PM | Last Updated: March 22, 2021
Former Padres' stopper had surgery to remove bone chips in right elbow last August
The Toronto Blue Jays have lost another pitcher to injury.
The team says right-hander Kirby Yates has been diagnosed with a flexor-pronator strain in his right arm and is expected to miss multiple weeks.
Yates has been touted as a potential closer after signing a one-year, $5.5-million US contract with the Blue Jays this off-season one month before their former closer, Ken Giles, finalized a two-year free-agent deal with Seattle. Giles won't pitch this season after having Tommy John (elbow ligament replacement) surgery
The 33-year-old Yates made just six appearances with San Diego last year before having surgery to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow.
Yates was an all-star in 2019 with San Diego, registering 41 saves and posting a 1.19 earned-run average.
Right-hander Nate Pearson (groin) and Thomas Hatch (elbow) also are sidelined for Toronto.
The Blue Jays' season opener is April 1.