The Toronto Blue Jays have lost another pitcher to injury.
The team says right-hander Kirby Yates has been diagnosed with a flexor-pronator strain in his right arm and is expected to miss multiple weeks.
Yates has been touted as a potential closer after signing a one-year, US$5.5-million contract with the Blue Jays this off-season.
The 33-year-old Yates made just six appearances with San Diego last year before having surgery to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow.
Yates was an all-star in 2019 with San Diego, registering 41 saves and posting a 1.19 earned-run average.
Right-hander Nate Pearson (groin) and Thomas Hatch (elbow) also are sidelined for Toronto.
The Blue Jays’ season opener is April 1.