Former Top Closer Getting Close to Return for Braves

 

Kirby Yates, remember him? 

Now, more than 15 months removed from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery, Yates is beginning a rehab assignment and aiming to join the Braves' bullpen around the start of August. 

Braves reliever Kirby Yates will begin his rehab assignment Saturday, GM Alex Anthopoulos said. There's still no timetable for Mike Soroka. Yates' progress will give AA a couple of weeks to evaluate the bullpen situation before the trade deadline.

— Jeff Schultz (@JeffSchultzATL) July 14, 2022

The thirty-five year old was among the top closers in the league, a few years ago, and could provide a tremendous boost to the Braves bullpen when he returns. 

The defending World Series champions signed Yates to a two-year, $8.25 million contract this past offseason with a club option for 2024.

In 2019, Yates converted 41 saves, with a phenomenal 1.19 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 101 strikeouts in 60 innings. The Braves don't need him to be that good, but they hope he can be a high-leverage arm down the stretch.

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