*Photo from Sportsnet*
The Toronto Blue Jays pitching depth is about to be tested. Closer front runner Kirby Yates has been diagnosed with a flexor strain in his right arm, according to the Blue Jays and Laura Armstrong of the Toronto Star. The Blue Jays are continuing to gather information on his injury, and there is no timetable for his return at this point.
Yates had been on the right track, as he made his second appearance of spring training on Saturday, pitching a scoreless inning and striking out two hitters. That, combined with bullpen sessions and side throwing sessions, had Yates on track for opening day in the ramp up process.
Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker said of Yates' chance to become closer last week that "I would say it's his job to lose. He has a tremendous track record, he's closed a lot of Major League games and he's one of the best relievers in baseball. We have a bunch of good guys down there that can close games as well, so when he's not available for some reason, someone else will be able to step up."
Now, with Yates injured, the time for someone else to step up has come. Their last closer, Ken Giles is no longer with the team, and wasn't going to pitch in 2021 anyway, so he's out of the picture. Rafael Dolis would appear to be the favorite to take over the closers job with Yates shelved, as he closed games in 2020 for the Blue Jays after Giles went down. Jordan Romano is also likely to see more high leverage innings as well.
After enjoying a healthy start to spring training, the Blue Jays pitching depth is now being tested, not just with Yates being hurt. Top pitching prospect Nate Pearson is currently shut down due to a right groin strain, and reliever Thomas Hatch is dealing with right elbow inflammation.
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