The Los Angeles Dodgersâ makeshift bullpen is about to get a big lift.
Right-hander Kirby Yates was activated from the 15-day injured list ahead of Saturdayâs game against the San Diego Padres. In a subsequent move, left-handed starter Blake Snell was placed on the paternity list.
The 38-year-old Yates has been on the IL since July 29 with lower back discomfort. He is 4-3 with a 4.31 ERA and three saves in 39 relief appearances in his first year as a Dodger.
Why Was Kirby Yates on the Injured List?
Yates has not pitched since July 26, when he threw a scoreless inning in a 4-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox. He landed on the IL three days later. It was the latest hiccup in a largely underwhelming season for the veteran right-hander, who has not performed to expectations after signing a one-year, $13 million free-agent deal in January.
Yates also spent time on the IL in May with a hamstring strain.
The two-time All-Star has largely been used in low-leverage situations, even with a glaring need following injuries to Evan Phillips (Tommy John surgery) and Tanner Scott (left elbow inflammation).
Yates was scored upon in four of his eight appearances in July, recording a 6.00 ERA. He attributed some of his struggles to losing the feel for his splitter.
âRight before I got hurt, ever since Iâve come back,â Yates told the Athletic last month, âI donât have the feel for it. Havenât had the feel for it.â
How Will Kirby Yatesâ Return Impact the Dodgers?
Entering Saturday, no bullpen had pitched more innings this season than the Dodgers (539.1). While they have successfully navigated that issue, the Dodgers will need more stability from their staff to make a run at another World Series title.
Yatesâ return should help alleviate some of the strain in the late innings. He made one minor-league rehab appearance, pitching a scoreless inning with one strikeout for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
Scott, who missed more than a month because of left elbow inflammation, was activated on Friday. The Dodgers may also soon get back right-hander Michael Kopech (knee surgery), who is eligible to come off the 60-day IL on Aug. 27.
In 31.1 innings this season, Yates has allowed 29 hits (six home runs) while striking out 44 and walking 12
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