Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Kirby Yates was activated from the 15-day injured list on Tuesday after missing the first five-plus weeks of the season due to left knee inflammation. He made his season debut on Friday, pitching a scoreless seventh inning against the Blue Jays, striking out George Springer and retiring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Kazuma Okamoto after allowing a pinch-hit single. Yates completed a four-outing rehab assignment before activation, showing improvement with a scoreless final outing. He is positioned to compete for the closer's role with the Angels following Jordan Romano's departure in late April. Yates is two saves shy of 100 for his career.
Strengths
- + Successful season debut with scoreless inning
- + Struck out George Springer to start the inning
- + Completed rehab assignment with improving performance
- + Positioned for closer role with Angels
- + Veteran right-hander with experience
- + Two saves away from 100-career milestone
- + Showed sharp execution in final rehab outing
Weaknesses
- - Missed first five-plus weeks due to left knee inflammation
- - Allowed pinch-hit single in debut
- - Committed a balk in debut appearance
- - Shaky performance in first three rehab outings (7 runs allowed)
- - Recovery timeline still being monitored
Injury Status: day-to-day
About
Kirby Yates is a rp for the Los Angeles Angels.
Player Overview
RP
Los Angeles Angels