Kirby Yates News: Early favorite for saves

Yates could be the leading candidate to open the season as the Angels' closer with Ben Joyce (shoulder) expected to begin the season on the injured list and after Robert Stephenson (shoulder) recently suffered a setback, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange-County Register reports.

Yates signed with the Halos on a one-year contract in December, with general manager Perry Minasian indicating when the deal was announced that the veteran will need to earn closing opportunities. The 38-year-old has given up one earned run with three strikeouts and a walk over three innings during spring training, but he struggled to a 5.23 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 50 appearances for the Dodgers in 2025. The Angels also added Drew Pomeranz and Jordan Romano to the bullpen mix this winter, but Yates should be at the head of the pack, at least until Joyce and/or Stephenson are available.