Toronto Blue Jays reliever Kirby Yates sidelined with arm injury

DUNEDIN, Fla. — The Toronto Blue Jays have lost another pitcher to injury.

The team says right-hander Kirby Yates has been diagnosed with a flexor-pronator strain in his right arm and is expected to miss multiple weeks.

Yates has been touted as a potential closer after signing a one-year, US$5.5-million contract with the Blue Jays this off-season.

The 33-year-old Yates made just six appearances with San Diego last year before having surgery to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow.