Former New York Yankees Pitcher Announces Retirement After 12 MLB Seasons

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NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 27: Kirby Yates #39 of the New York Yankees throws down the rosin bag after surrendering a run in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium on June 27, 2016 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

On Saturday, the New York Yankees have the day off.

They split two games with the Baltimore Orioles on Friday in the Bronx.

The two teams will finish their series on Sunday afternoon.

The Yankees wrote (via X): “In coordination with Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees have announced that the start time of tomorrow’s Yankees-Orioles game (Sunday, September 27) has been moved to 1:05 p.m. due to the current forecast of inclement weather throughout the late afternoon.”

New York Yankees

@Yankees · Follow

In coordination with Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees have announced that the start time of tomorrow’s Yankees-Orioles game (Sunday, September 27) has been moved to 1:05 p.m. due to the current forecast of inclement weather throughout the late afternoon.

All Yankee

3:54 pm · 26 Sep 2026

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Former New York Yankees Pitcher Announces Retirement

Also on Saturday, the Pittsburgh Pirates played the Detroit Tigers in Michigan.

Kirby Yates got the start, going 1.2 innings.

He allowed no runs.

MLB

@MLB · Follow

In what could be his last Major League appearance, Kirby Yates got his first career start for the Pirates today. 💛🖤

2:03 pm · 26 Sep 2026

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Following the 4-3 loss, Yates (who used to play for the Yankees) announced that he is retiring.

Colin Beazley of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote: “Kirby Yates confirmed postgame “This is it.” Said he’s at peace with it. Special way for him to end his 12-year MLB career.”

Looking At Yates

Yates was picked in the 26th round of the 2005 MLB Draft.

In addition to the Pirates and Yankees, he has also spent time with the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

With New York, Yates was teammates with players such as Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and CC Sabathia (in 2016).

Yates made two MLB All-Star Games (as a member of the Rangers and Padres).

Over 518 career games, the 39-year-old went 32-29 with a 3.35 ERA.

Social Media Reacts

Here’s what people were saying about Yates:

Pittsburgh Pirates: “TEARS IN MY EYES. 🥹 A special moment for Kirby in Detroit. 🖤💛”

Dominic Campbell: “Kirby Yates announced his retirement after his first MLB start, throwing 1.2 scoreless innings vs. the Tigers Asked Yates about what the Pirates have meant to him the past two months. Take a listen”

Talkin’ Baseball: “Kirby Yates also had an emotional exit today as he’s retiring after the season”

@baseballisdead_: “Looks like Kirby Yates is also calling it a career after today 👏 Very emotional moment with him walking off the mound and thanking everyone.”