Closer Yates (elbow) lands on injured list
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The Padres placed right-handed pitcher Kirby Yates on the 10-day injured list with right elbow inflammation and recalled right-handed pitcher David Bednar on Saturday.
The team’s closer was removed from the Padres' 5-1 loss to the D-backs at Chase Field in the eighth inning Friday night after six pitches after feeling discomfort in his right arm. Padres manager Jayce Tingler initially described it as an irritation “in the back of the elbow area.”
An exam Saturday showed bone chips in the back of Yates' elbow, Tingler said. Yates is seeking a second opinion.
“He's doing about as good as you can,” Tingler said. “He's crushed. It's safe to say that on his end, it’s been a rough 2020. … You obviously feel for him. He’s a very tough guy. He’s a very tough man. He’s hurt, and we’re hurt a little bit. We’re hoping for the best and certainly thinking of him.”
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Yates, who is 0-1 with a 12.46 ERA with eight strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings this season, had 41 saves in 44 opportunities for the Padres last season.
In his absence, San Diego will likely use a combination of Drew Pomeranz, Emilio Pagán and Craig Stammen in the closer's role.
“I think we'll stay pretty open ended and kind of see how the game is presented to us, what parts are in the lineup,” Tingler said. “We've got guys back there that have had some save opportunities and have had some success back there, so that that's a good thing.”
Yates, who before Friday had not pitched since Aug. 7 due to back soreness, felt strong warming up. The club was hoping to use him against the Dodgers in Los Angeles during the previous series, but the opportunity never presented itself.
His first test Friday was a brief one.