Yates leaves Pirates, opts for free agency

PITTSBURGH — Right-handed reliever Tyler Yates has chosen to
become a free agent after the Pittsburgh Pirates requested
outright waivers on him.

Yates had Tommy John surgery in July to replace a torn ulnar
collateral ligament in his right elbow for the second time in
his career. He is not expected to pitch again until the middle
of next season. Yates also had the ligament repaired in 2002 and
needed major shoulder surgery in 2005.

The Pirates apparently planned to offer Yates a minor league
contract, but he preferred to seek work in another organization.
Yates made $1.3 million this season.

Yates, 32, didn’t pitch again after being placed on the disabled
list May 15 with a 7.50 ERA. He was 6-3 with a 4.66 ERA in 72
games with Pittsburgh in 2008.