Pitcher Kirby Yates is likely to undergo season-ending elbow surgery. Yates’ MRI revealed bone fragments in the back of his elbow, manager Jayce Tingler told reporters, including Athletic’s Dennis Lin. He went for a second opinion Monday.
Kirby Yates’ MRI today revealed bone chips in the back of his elbow, Jayce Tingler said. He will get a second opinion on Monday.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin)
August 16, 2020
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That second opinion with elbow specialist Dr. Keith Meister found expectations now are that he will undergo surgery to end the season, reported reporter Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Yates would need more than six weeks to recover from the procedure, that is, more than a month and a half.
The Padres placed reliever Yates on the 10-day disabled list Monday with a diagnosis of right elbow inflammation, the team announced. His roster spot is held by right-hander David Bednar, who was called up.
Yates, 33, exited Friday’s game against the Arizona D-Backs. It was initially described as a “back of the elbow” discomfort.
It’s been a slow start to the season for the NL’s leading defending saves, who so far has posted an unusual 12.46 ERA in 4 1/3 innings. His regular strikeout production has been there, but that has been offset by an equally high number of walks (8K / 4 BB).
SD #Parents getting hammered with key injuries losing cleanup hitter Tommy Pham and now All-Star closer Kirby Yates who’s expected to miss rest of season.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale)
August 18, 2020
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While Yates’ injury is an indisputable blow to the San Diego bullpen, manager Jayce Tingler will have several options at his disposal to close games, including Emilio Pagan, Craig Stammen and left-hander Drew Pomeranz.
The last two combined for just 10 career saves before this season, but Pomeranz has racked up four saves this year and has been the Padres’ most reliable reliever so far. Meanwhile, Pagan was an accomplished closer for the Tampa Bay Rays last year.
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