yates was added to the rays 40-man roster on november 20, 2013. yates was called up to the majors for the first time on june 7, 2014 and made his debut that day. in 37 games, he posted an era of 3.75 in 36 innings, striking out 42. the following season he struggled, posting an era of 7.97 in innings for the major league club as he shuttled back and forth between tampa and durham. the rays designated yates for assignment after the 2015 season.