Pirates Do Right by Kirby Yates in Potential Last MLB Game

On a day that was filled with emotions at Comerica Park, the Pittsburgh Pirates added to it all.

Veteran right-hander Justin Verlander was making his final start of his MLB career against Pittsburgh, with the loyal Tigers fans celebrating him throughout the series. But for the Pirates, they also had a player who could be playing in his final MLB game.

Right-hander Kirby Yates may be calling it a career after the 2026 season ends, and the Pirates did right by him in this contest. Pittsburgh gave Yates the chance to start the game for them, going opposite against Verlander.

And as he walked off the mound in what could be his final outing of his career, he was met with a curtain call from the fans and his teammates. Pittsburgh allowed him to be celebrated as well, giving the veteran a chance to walk off on a high note.

Against the Tigers, Yates went 1.2 innings, allowing two hits and striking out one batter. His time in the MLB has been successful, and he's been good with the Pirates in a limited time.

Yates landed with Pittsburgh at the trade deadline this season after opening the year with the Los Angeles Angels. With the Pirates, Yates has posted a 1.80 ERA over 15 appearances, striking out 13 batters over 15.0 innings

With the Angels, Yates had a 3.95 ERA over 31 appearances, throwing 27.1 innings of work. Pittsburgh brought him in to help with the postseason chase, but he was injured for much of the last few weeks.

Yates has been in the big leagues since his debut in 2014 with the Tampa Bay Rays. The veteran right-hander has played for multiple teams over the years, including the Angels, Pirates, Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, and New York Yankees.

The right-hander made two All-Star teams during his career, one with San Diego in 2019 and the other with the Rangers in 2024. Yates was also the saves leader in 2019 with the Padres.

With the Dodgers last season, Yates did win a World Series, even though he didn't participate in the postseason. The veteran was injured during the playoffs, but the team gave him a ring after he pitched in 50 games for them during the regular season.

Yates was also seen as a clubhouse leader with the Dodgers, helping guys get ready for games. Multiple players credited him with helping them in the playoffs, leading to the World Series win.

If this was the last of Yates in the big leagues, he led a successful career. And the Pirates will forever be a small part of his overall journey.