The Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Los Angeles Angels in the Freeway Series this weekend meant their first look at Kirby Yates since he left the team in free agency.
And like was the case for Michael Conforto, Esteury Ruiz and Dustin May earlier in the season, the reunion meant an opportunity for Yates to receive his 2025 Dodgers World Series ring. Yates also received a Dodgers gold series jersey and cap.
The Dodgers posted a photo of the mini ceremony in which the right-handed relief pitcher was surrounded by some of his former teammates and coaches.
Congratulations Kirby on receiving your 2025 World Series ring! 💍 pic.twitter.com/dcponwyQAp
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 16, 2026
“Just a good teammate,” Blake Treinen described Yates to David Vassegh on SportsNet LA. “Lightens the mood, jokester, phenomenal stuff, went through some injuries and whatnot. Having a chance to see someone who’s had a long career win a World Series with you, and to be able to share that ring with him, was pretty special.”
Yates dealt with multiple injuries last season and was limited to just 50 appearances. He spent three separate stints on the 15-day injured list and finished the year 4-3 with three saves, a 5.23 ERA, 4.76 FIP and 1.33 WHIP.
It was far from the expected outcome when Yates signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers after having an All-Star season with the Texas Rangers.
The Angels signed the 39-year-old to a $5 million contract for the 2026 season. The deal represents a return to the team Yates had a brief stint with in 2017.
Injury has remained an issue for Yates as his season debut was delayed until May 8 because of left knee inflammation. Yates appeared in the opener of the Freeway Series and retired the side in order, which included striking out Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. He then struck out two more batters in a scoreless inning of work on Sunday.
Kirby Yates had World Series goal
During his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium, the veteran relief pitcher expressed his excitement over joining a World Series contender.
“Free agency is the only time you can really choose your team. The older you get, that starts being important,” Yates said at the time. “When you’re the second week of August, first week of September, and you’re falling out of that playoff race, it hits you a little different.
“You’re getting older and losing another chance to make a deep run in the postseason. This is my third time signing with the reigning World Series champs. I think the difference this time is how loaded this team is compared to everybody else. I’m looking forward to finally trying to make that run and be able to pitch deep into the postseason.”
Injuries and ineffectiveness prevented Yates from pitching in the playoffs. Though, his Dodgers tenure of course did end as a World Series champion.
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