Los Angeles Dodgers Move Kirby Yates to Injured List: What It Means for the Team

The Dodgers recently put right-hander Kirby Yates on the 15-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain, a move made official on September 21. This decision corresponds with the return of pitcher Roki Sasaki from the injured list. Manager Dave Roberts shared the update with reporters, including Fabian Ardaya from The Athletic.

Yates, now 38, signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Dodgers before the season. He had a solid 2024 with the Rangers, boasting a 1.17 earned run average over 61 games. However, his performance in 2025 has fallen short. He began the year with a hamstring injury in mid-May and missed another three weeks in August due to lower back pain. This current stint marks his third time on the IL this season. In the 41.1 innings he has pitched, he has a 5.23 ERA. While his strikeout rate is decent at 29.2%, he has allowed nine home runs, which has hurt his overall stats.

Interestingly, some fans speculate that this might be a “phantom” IL move to give Yates a break. The truth is that the entire Dodgers bullpen has struggled lately, posting a collective 5.69 ERA in September. Key pitchers like Michael Kopech and Brock Stewart are also on the injured list, making it crucial for the team not to lose any more depth, even from struggling players.

Looking ahead, the Dodgers still have a shot at the National League West title, but catching the Phillies for a first-round bye seems unlikely. Yates might return in time for the NLDS, but he’ll need to show he’s fit and effective to earn a spot on the roster.

In recent years, injuries have become a common narrative in Major League Baseball. According to a 2022 study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, injuries in the league are up 19% over the past decade. This raises questions about player training, recovery methods, and overall health management in the sport.

Fans are talking too, with social media buzzing about the Dodgers’ bullpen struggles. Tweets and posts reflect mixed feelings about Yates and the team’s performance, showing how invested fans are in player health and team success.

As the season progresses, the health of players like Yates will be crucial. The team’s chances in the playoffs could hinge on how well they manage injuries and get their pitchers back in form.



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kirby yates,roki sasaki