History of Kirby Yates in Timeline

Kirby Yates is a professional baseball pitcher, currently a free agent, with a career in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has played for multiple teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

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Full Timeline

March 25, 1987: Kirby Yates Born

On March 25, 1987, Kirby Kali Yates was born. He is an American professional baseball pitcher.

Others born on this day/year

2005: Drafted by Red Sox

In 2005, Kirby Yates was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 26th round of the Major League Baseball draft out of Kauai High School. However, he did not sign with them and instead attended Yavapai College.

2006: Tommy John Surgery

In 2006, Kirby Yates missed the baseball season due to Tommy John surgery.

2007: Continued Recovery

In 2007, Kirby Yates continued to miss the baseball season due to recovery from Tommy John surgery.

June 22, 2009: Signed with Tampa Bay Rays

On June 22, 2009, Kirby Yates signed with the Tampa Bay Rays as an amateur free agent after going undrafted in the 2009 MLB draft. He began his professional career with the Princeton Rays.

2010: Bowling Green Hot Rods and Shoulder Injury

In 2010, Kirby Yates spent most of the season with the Bowling Green Hot Rods, achieving a 3–6 record with a 3.30 ERA in 27 games. He was promoted to the Charlotte Stone Crabs on August 12 but was soon shut down for the year due to a strained right shoulder that required surgery.

2011: Shoulder Surgery Recovery and Return to Charlotte

In 2011, Kirby Yates missed the first two months of the season due to shoulder surgery recovery. After rehabbing in the Gulf Coast League, he rejoined the Charlotte Stone Crabs on June 22 and made 16 appearances.

2012: Double-A and Arizona Fall League

In 2012, Kirby Yates reached Double-A with the Montgomery Biscuits, posting a 2.65 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 50 games. His 12.44 strikeouts per nine innings led all Southern League pitchers, and he returned to the Arizona Fall League with the Phoenix Desert Dogs.

November 20, 2013: Added to Rays 40-man Roster

On November 20, 2013, Kirby Yates was added to the Tampa Bay Rays' 40-man roster.

2013: Triple-A All-Star and Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year

In 2013, Kirby Yates was a Triple-A All-Star with a 1.90 ERA in 51 games for the Durham Bulls and was named the Rays' Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year, recording 16 saves.

June 7, 2014: MLB Debut

On June 7, 2014, Kirby Yates was called up to the majors and made his MLB debut for the Tampa Bay Rays, pitching 1+1⁄3 scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners, striking out Brad Miller for his first strikeout. In 37 games, he had a 3.75 ERA in 36 innings, with 42 strikeouts.

November 25, 2015: Traded to Cleveland Indians

On November 25, 2015, the Tampa Bay Rays traded Kirby Yates to the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations.

2015: Designated for Assignment

After the 2015 season, Kirby Yates was designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays.

January 2, 2016: Marriage to Ashlee

On January 2, 2016, Kirby Yates married his long-time girlfriend Ashlee.

January 5, 2016: Designated for Assignment by Indians

On January 5, 2016, Kirby Yates was designated for assignment by the Cleveland Indians.

2016: Claimed by Los Angeles Angels

After the 2016 season, Kirby Yates was claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees by the Los Angeles Angels.

April 2, 2017: Designated for Assignment

On April 2, 2017, Kirby Yates was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels after spring training.

April 26, 2017: Claimed by San Diego Padres

On April 26, 2017, Kirby Yates was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres and excelled as a reliever, striking out 87 in 55+2⁄3 innings.

2018: Closer for the Padres

In 2018, Kirby Yates became the closer for the San Diego Padres after the trade of Brad Hand and ended the season with a 2.14 ERA and 90 strikeouts. At the end of the season, Yates was selected to represent MLB at the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series.

2019: All-Star and Saves Leader

In 2019, Kirby Yates was selected as the San Diego Padres' sole representative at the All-Star Game and led all major league pitchers in saves with 41. He was also named to the 2019 All-MLB Team.