DUNEDIN, Fla. — 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, US$5.5-million contract with the Blue Jays this off-season.
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.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 22, 2021.
The Canadian Press
