Kirby Yates considers MLB retirement amid injuries

Veteran MLB reliever Kirby Yates is considering retirement following a season marked by injuries and trades. Currently playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 39-year-old is managing a right shoulder injury, which marks his fifth stint on the injured list over the last two seasons.

Yates joined the Pirates via an August 3 trade from the Los Angeles Angels. While he was effective in his initial appearances for Pittsburgh, maintaining a 2.19 ERA, his recent physical setbacks have interrupted his ability to assist the team in their pursuit of a National League wild-card berth.

In discussions with MLB.com, Yates indicated that family considerations are a primary factor in his decision-making process. He noted that his children have expressed a desire for him to be home more often, stating, “It kind of hits you different when they tell you they’d rather have you home.” He expressed a sense of certainty regarding his future direction as he weighs the demands of professional baseball against his personal life.