Kirby Yates
Breakdown
Performance
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April 8, 2026
May be headed for rehab stint
Yates (knee) threw 26 pitches to hitters Tuesday and could next begin a minor-league rehab stint, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Yates said his body "felt good" during the session but acknowledged that his legs aren't quite up to speed yet. "The hard part is, I didn't get a chance to do anything with my legs for 12-13 days. So we're trying to play catch-up with that. The legs aren't as fresh as I'd probably like them to be. But, overall, I think it was good," Yates said after throwing. Manager Kurt Suzuki echoed that sentiment, saying, "I thought he looked fine. Obviously, first time in a while throwing to hitters, so it's going to take time. Build his stamina, his legs back up, get his legs under him again... But hopefully we'll see him sooner than later." Yates said he's hoping his next step will be a rehab assignment with a minor-league squad but stated that he's going to talk that over with coaches and trainers Wednesday.
April 5, 2026
Facing hitters Tuesday
Yates (knee) is scheduled to face hitters Tuesday as he works through mechanical adjustments ahead of his return, Doug Padilla of The Orange County Register reports.
Analysis
"I think it's more of a feeling for me, knowing how the ball is supposed to come out of my hand," Yates said. "I don't think we're a crazy way away (from a return), or anything like that. It's just how quickly you can get to where you're comfortable going back out there and getting big outs for your team." It sounds like Yates and the Angels will have a better idea of how close he is after Tuesday's session. In Yates' absence, Jordan Romano has excelled as the closer, while Chase Silseth has been strong in a setup role for the Angels.
April 1, 2026
Throws short bullpen session
Yates (knee) threw an abbreviated bullpen session Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis
Yates said afterward that his knee felt healthy but that he still needs to sharpen his stuff before he's ready to pitch in a game. Sidelined by left knee inflammation, Yates is eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list April 6. It's unclear whether he'll be back on that date, but if he isn't it shouldn't be long after. Jordan Romano has seized the Angels' closer job for the time being, but Yates could work his way back into that mix.