Kirby Yates

Padres closer Kirby Yates made his summer camp debut on Tuesday night.

Fantasy Impact

There was a positive COVID-19 test within Yates’ family, which delayed his arrival to camp. The good news is he passed MLB’s testing protocol and is good to go moving forward. Yates led the league with 41 saves last year and should be one of the first closers coming off fantasy draft boards this month.

Padres closer Kirby Yates is expecting to do his intake testing on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

Fantasy Impact

If the tests come back negative then Yates will be able to begin working out with the Padres on Wednesday. The 33-year-old is one of the best closers in baseball and should be selected as a top-three reliever in fantasy drafts this month.

Padres GM AJ Preller says Kirby Yates is not at summer camp due to a COVID=19 related family issue.

Fantasy Impact

The expectation is Yates will arrive at Petco Park later this weekend. The All-Star closer has not tested positive for coronavirus himself, which is good to hear. Yates should still be drafted as a top-three reliever in fantasy for the shortened 2020 campaign.

Kirby Yates pitched a scoreless fifth inning in Sunday's 6-0 loss to the White Sox.

Fantasy Impact

Yates has only pitched two innings so far in spring training, but hasn't lost a step since leading the league in saves last year. He has yet to allow a hit while walking one and striking out four. He will be the first closer off the board in many leagues in 2020.

Kirby Yates picked up his 39th save of the year on Saturday against the Giants, striking out the side to preserve the 4-1 win.

Fantasy Impact

Yates has simply been sensational this season and now has a 1.29 ERA to go along with a 0.89 WHIP. His 39 saves are the most in the majors. Aroldis Chapman is closest to him with 36.