Indians Acquire Right-Handed Pitcher Kirby Yates From Rays

CLEVELAND – The Indians today acquired right-handed pitcher Kirby Yates in a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations.

The 28-year-old spent his entire professional career with the Rays to this point, posting a Major League mark of 1-2 with a save and a 5.27 ERA in 57 relief appearances since debuting in 2014 (56.1IP, 56H, 33ER, 22BB, 63SO, .253avg).

He has averaged 11.9 strikeouts per 9.0IP throughout his 7-year Minor League career and 10.1 SO/9.0IP at the Major League level. He was signed by Tampa Bay as a non-drafted free agent in June 2009 out of Yavapai, AZ Junior College and was named organizational relief pitcher of the year in 2013 after sporting a 1.90 ERA in 51 relief appearances at Triple-A Durham.

The Lihue, Hawaii native’s brother, Tyler, appeared in 239 games with the Mets, Braves and Pirates across five Major League seasons from 2004-09.

To allow room for Yates on the club’s 40-man roster the Indians have designated OF Michael Choice for assignment.