Yates will open as Mets' No. 4 starter

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

New York Mets pitcher Tyler Yates said his first start of the season will be April 9 against Montreal in Puerto Rico. Associated Press

"It's amazing," said Yates in a phone interview last night from the Mets' spring training quarters at Port St. Lucie, Fla. "I'm just floating on cloud nine right now. All your dreams come true. It's just an amazing feeling right now."

Yates, a 1995 graduate of Kaua'i High, was drafted in the 27th round by the Oakland Athletics out of the University of Hawai'i-Hilo. He was later traded to the Mets organization.

Yates said he is scheduled to start April 9 against the Montreal Expos in Puerto Rico The team leaves for Atlanta Sunday night for the season opener against the Braves.

"They just called me into the office, told me I had a good spring and 'Congratulations, you made the squad and you'll start the fourth game of the season,' " Yates said.

Yates actually was promoted for one day during the 2002 season. It happened after the Mets played an extra-inning game, depleting most of their bullpen. He essentially was brought up in case the Mets needed a fresh arm. He wasn't used and was sent back to the minors after the game.

The Koloa resident blew his elbow out in June 2002 after touching 100 mph. At the time, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander was primarily a relief pitcher.

After his rehabilitation, the Mets began grooming him as a starting pitcher.

Yates said his fastball has been around 92-95 mph during spring training.