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Kirby Yates

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Kirby Yates
Yates with the New York Yankees in 2016
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1987-03-25) March 25, 1987 (age 37)
Lihue, Hawaii, U.S.
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
MLB debut
June 7, 2014, for the Tampa Bay Rays
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Win–loss record26–21
Earned run average3.17
Strikeouts571
Saves95
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Kirby Kali Yates (born March 25, 1987) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers. He made his MLB debut in 2014, and was an All-Star in 2019, when he led the National League in saves. He made the All-Star team again in 2024.

Early career

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Yates pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014

Yates was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 26th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball draft out of Kauai High School in Lihue, Hawaii.[1] He did not sign and attended Yavapai College. He missed both the 2006 and 2007 seasons due to Tommy John surgery.[2]

Professional career

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Tampa Bay Rays

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After going undrafted in the 2009 MLB draft, Yates signed with the Tampa Bay Rays as an amateur free agent on June 22, 2009 and began his professional career with the Princeton Rays of the Appalachian League.[3] In 2010, he spent most of the season with the Bowling Green Hot Rods of the Midwest League, where he was 3–6 record with a 3.30 ERA in 27 games (12 stars).[4] He was promoted to the Charlotte Stone Crabs of the Florida State League on August 12, but made only one start before he was shut down for the year with a strained right shoulder that required offseason surgery.[5] The surgery caused him to also miss the first two months of the 2011 season before rehabbing in the Gulf Coast League and then rejoining Charlotte on June 22.[5] Yates made 16 appearances with them, allowing only six runs in 33+1⁄3 innings over 16 appearances[4] and played with the Surprise Saguaros in the Arizona Fall League after the regular season ended.[4]

In 2012, Yates reached the Double-A level with the Montgomery Biscuits, where he had a 2.65 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 68 innings over 50 games.[4] His 12.44 strikeouts per nine innings led all Southern League pitchers and he again returned to the Arizona Fall League, this time with the Phoenix Desert Dogs.[5] Yates was a Triple-A All-Star in 2013, putting up a 1.90 ERA in 51 games for the Durham Bulls.[6] He was also selected as the Rays organizations Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year while recording 16 saves.[5]

Yates was added to the Rays 40-man roster on November 20, 2013[7] and made 21 appearances for Durham, allowing only one run in 25 innings.[4] Yates was called up to the majors for the first time on June 7, 2014, and made his debut that day,[8] pitching 1+1⁄3 scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners with two strikeouts (his first being against Brad Miller).[9] In 37 games, he posted an ERA of 3.75 in 36 innings, striking out 42.[10] The following season he struggled, posting an ERA of 7.97 in 20+1⁄3 innings for the Major League club[10] and 5.68 in 25+1⁄3 innings for Durham as he shuttled back and forth between the majors and minors.[4]

The Rays designated Yates for assignment after the 2015 season.[11]

New York Yankees

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On November 25, 2015, the Rays traded Yates to the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations.[12][13] He was subsequently designated for assignment on January 5, 2016 and three days later traded to the New York Yankees in exchange for cash considerations.[14] Yates made the Yankees' Opening Day roster in 2016[15] and pitched in relief for the Yankees for most of the season, although he was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on June 28,[16] and then recalled on August 17.[17] In 41 games for the Yankees, he posted an ERA of 5.23 and 50 strikeouts in 41+1⁄3 innings.[10]

Los Angeles Angels

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After the 2016 season, the Los Angeles Angels claimed Yates from the Yankees on waivers.[18] He was designated for assignment on April 2, 2017, after failing to secure a spot in the Angels bullpen during spring training, and he was outrighted from the 40-man roster and sent to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees on April 5.[19] After six games in the minors, Yates made his Angels debut as a reliever on April 22 against the Toronto Blue Jays and allowed a two-run home run to Kevin Pillar before retiring the next three batters he faced.[20] He was designated for assignment the next day.[21]

San Diego Padres

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On April 26, 2017, Yates was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres.[22] He excelled relieving for the Padres, striking out 87 in 55+2⁄3 innings and going 4–5 with a 3.72 ERA in 61 games.[10] Yates credited his success this season to the development of a split-finger fastball in the spring which he began throwing more often with the Padres.[23]

In 2018, Yates began the season as the setup man to closer Brad Hand.[24] He briefly went to the disabled list in early April with an ankle injury, but returned after two weeks.[25] At the trade deadline, the Padres traded Hand, thus handing over the closer role to Yates.[26] He ended the season with a career low 2.14 ERA in 65 appearances and was 12 for 13 in save opportunities with 90 strikeouts in 63 innings.[10]

In 2019, Yates was selected as the Padres' sole representative at the All-Star Game.[27] For the season, he led all major league pitchers in saves, with 41.[28] He also recorded a 1.19 ERA and struck out 101 batters in 60+2⁄3 innings[10] and was named to the 2019 All-MLB Team.[29]

He ended the season with only six appearances during the pandemic shortened 2020 season, allowing six runs in 4+1⁄3 innings before he was shut down because of bone chips in his elbow.[30]

Toronto Blue Jays

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On January 20, 2021, Yates signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[31] However, on March 22, he was diagnosed with a flexor strain[32] and he underwent a second Tommy John surgery on March 24, ending his season.[33][34]

Atlanta Braves

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On November 29, 2021, Yates signed a two-year, $8.25 million contract with the Atlanta Braves.[35][36] On July 16, 2022, he pitched a perfect inning in the Florida Complex League, his first game at any level since August 2020.[37] Yaes was activated off of the injured list on August 10[38] and allowed four funs in seven innings in nine games at the end of the season.[10]

In 2023, his first full season since 2019, he pitched 60+1⁄3 innings over 60 games, allowing 22 runs for a 3.28 ERA.[10] On November 6, 2023, the Braves declined the option on Yates' contract for the 2024 season, making him a free agent[39][40]

Texas Rangers

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On December 6, 2023, Yates signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Texas Rangers.[41] In 61 games, he allowed eight earned runs in 61+2⁄3 innings for a 1.17 ERA and saved 33 games.[10] He was named to his second career All-Star team.[42]

International career

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At the conclusion of the 2018 season, Yates was selected to represent Major League Baseball at the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series.[43][44]

Personal life

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His brother, Tyler Yates, also played in Major League Baseball.[45] Tyler has since been a police officer in Kauai.[46]

Yates married his long time girlfriend Ashlee on January 2, 2016. She owns a business that places sitters with professional athlete families, Homerun Sitters LLC.[47][48] His hobbies include surfing and golfing.[46][49]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Shimogawa, Duane (June 10, 2005). "Yates drafted by Red Sox". Thegardenisland.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2014. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
  2. ^ "'05 Kauai graduate armed and ready". The.honoluluadvertiser.com. June 3, 2008. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
  3. ^ "Yates fights back". Bgdailynews.com. April 19, 2010. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Kirby Yates Minor & Fall League Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d "Kirby Yates bio". mlb.com. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  6. ^ Rick Killeen (July 7, 2013). "Yates receives all-star nod". The Garden island. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  7. ^ "Rays add four players to 40-man roster". Rays Baseball. January 11, 2015. Archived from the original on January 11, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  8. ^ SCOTT CARTER The Durham Bulls. "Bulls' closer Kirby Yates finally gets long-awaited call from Rays". Heraldsun.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
  9. ^ "Seattle Mariners vs Tampa Bay Rays Box Score: June 7, 2014". Baseball Reference. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Kirby Yates Statistics". Baseball Reference. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  11. ^ "Rays Designate Arencibia, Gomes, Nava, Yates". MLB Trade Rumors. November 20, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  12. ^ Russell, Daniel (November 25, 2015). "Kirby Yates traded to Cleveland for cash". Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  13. ^ "Indians acquire Yates from Rays for cash". MLB.com. November 25, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  14. ^ "Yankees acquire Kirby Yates from Indians". Newsday. January 26, 2016. Archived from the original on January 26, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  15. ^ "Curry: Kirby Yates gets final spot on Yankees' roster". The Journal News. April 1, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  16. ^ "Yankees call up Conor Mullee, option Kirby Yates to Triple-A". SportsNet New York. February 13, 2019. Archived from the original on February 13, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  17. ^ "Yankees' Kirby Yates: Recalled from Triple-A". CBSSports.com. August 17, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  18. ^ "Roster cleanup: Yates and Parker claimed, Swarzak elects free agency". The Journal News. October 5, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  19. ^ "Angels' Kirby Yates: Outrighted to Triple-A". CBSSports.com. April 5, 2017. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
  20. ^ "Toronto Blue Jays vs Los Angeles Angels Box Score: April 22, 2017". Baseball Reference. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  21. ^ "Angels' Kirby Yates: Designated for assignment". CBSSports.com. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  22. ^ "Padres' Kirby Yates: Claimed by San Diego". CBSSports.com. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  23. ^ "Kirby Yates dominates with split-finger pitch". Major League Baseball. May 22, 2018. Archived from the original on May 22, 2018. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  24. ^ Cassavell, AJ (June 23, 2018). "Hand, Yates looking to fill All-Star bullpen". mlb.com. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  25. ^ Perkins, Owen (April 9, 2018). "Yates lands on DL; Baumann recalled". MLB.com. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
  26. ^ Cassavell, AJ (July 21, 2018). "Yates stepping up to fill Padres' closer role". MLB.com. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
  27. ^ "Kirby Yates follows Brad Hand as a Padres All-Star, but this year the circumstances are slightly different". The Athletic. July 1, 2019. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  28. ^ "2019 Major League Baseball Pitching Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. January 1, 1970. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  29. ^ "Inaugural All-MLB Team announced". NBC Sports. December 10, 2019. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  30. ^ "Padres closer Kirby Yates placed on IL, tests reveal bone chips". San Diego Union-Tribune. August 15, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  31. ^ "Reliever Yates, Blue Jays agree to 1-year deal". ESPN.com. January 20, 2021. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
  32. ^ Matheson, Keegan (March 22, 2021). "Yates out 'multiple weeks' with arm strain". MLB.com. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  33. ^ "Blue Jays' Kirby Yates has Tommy John surgery, out for season". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
  34. ^ "Blue Jays roster moves". MLB.com. April 4, 2021. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  35. ^ Casella, Paul (November 29, 2021). "Braves sign Yates to 2-yr., $8.25 million deal". MLB.com. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  36. ^ "Braves sign Kirby Yates". MLB.com. November 29, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  37. ^ "Braves vs. Nationals - Game Recap - July 16, 2022". ESPN.com. ESPN. Associated Press. July 16, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  38. ^ Toscano, Justin. "Braves' Kirby Yates returns to mound after 724 days, major surgery". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  39. ^ "Braves pick up Charlie Morton's option, decline Eddie Rosario's". ESPN.com. November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  40. ^ Bowman, Mark (November 6, 2023). "Braves exercise option on Morton, decline options on Rosario, McHugh, Yates". Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  41. ^ "Rangers, reliever Yates agree to 1-year deal". MLB.com.
  42. ^ Landry, Kennedi (July 14, 2024). "Semien to start ASG at home; Yates, Seager join him on AL roster". mlb.com. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  43. ^ "2018日米野球 MLBオールスターチーム コーチ・出場予定選手発表". 野球日本代表 侍ジャパン オフィシャルサイト (in Japanese). October 29, 2018. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
  44. ^ Sanders, Jeff (September 30, 2018). "Padres closer Kirby Yates to rep MLB in Japan series". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
  45. ^ "Brothers in arms". Thegardenisland.com. February 10, 2013. Archived from the original on February 12, 2013. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
  46. ^ a b Nightengale, Bob. "Padres closer Kirby Yates finds saving grace in San Diego". Usatoday.com. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
  47. ^ "For Kirby Yates' fiancee, babysitting business a hit with athlete families like Longoria's". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  48. ^ "Homerun Sitters LLC - About Us". February 14, 2015. Archived from the original on February 14, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  49. ^ "Catching up with Kirby Yates | 03/02/2021". MLB.com. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
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