4 years agoToronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Kirby Yates is the likely closer to open the 2021 season, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. According to Feinsand, Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker described the situation as "it's his job to lose," although Feinsand also adds that it is contingent on Yates being healthy and ready to go. Yates only recently made his spring debut, as he has allowed two hits while striking out two in two innings of work following his appearance on Saturday afternoon. He missed nearly all of 2020 following surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow, but in 2019 he was a top-tier closer with 41 saves, a 1.19 ERA and a 41.6 percent strikeout rate with San Diego. He currently owns a 157 ADP, but after this announcement, managers might want to target him a bit higher in drafts, as he should be one of the better closers in fantasy in 2021.--Michael Grennell - RotoBaller
Source: Mark Feinsand