Dodgers fans reflect on legacy of Fernando Valenzuela
The Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans gathered to celebrate their 8th World Series title, but took time to reflect on the impact of Fernando Valenzuela.
Having a tremendous amount of talent already on the roster doesn’t seem to be stopping the Los Angeles Dodgers from adding even more.
After already striking a deal with free-agent left-handed reliever Tanner Scott earlier in the week, the Dodgers are finalizing a deal with right-handed reliever Kirby Yates, an official with knowledge of the agreement told USA TODAY Sports.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal is pending a physical and not yet official.
Yates, a two-time All-Star, rebuilt his career after missing the entire 2021 season and part of 2022 recovering from elbow surgery. Now 37 years old, he posted a 1.17 ERA with 33 saves for the Texas Rangers last season.
Yates led the major leagues in saves in 2019 as a member of the San Diego Padres, but suffered an elbow injury in the shortened 2020 season that required Tommy John surgery.
He pitched just 11 ⅓ innings from 2019 through 2022 before returning to his pre-injury form as a setup man with the Atlanta Braves in 2023.
After signing a one-year deal with the Rangers, Yates thrived in his return to the closer role — earning his second All-Star selection while converting 33 of 34 save chances and holding opponents to a .113 batting average over 61 2/3 innings.
Contributing: Bob Nightengale
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