Seven perfect innings. Zero hits allowed. A Yankee Stadium crowd is begging for history.
Clarke Schmidt walked off the mound Thursday night with 103 pitches thrown and a no-hitter within reach. But Yankees manager Aaron Boone had seen enough.
The right-hander dominated Baltimore’s lineup for seven innings before Boone ended his night. The Yankees completed a 9-0 shutout win, though Schmidt’s historic bid ended with his early exit.
“I knew he was done,” Boone said postgame.
The manager’s choice sparked debate. Schmidt had never broken the century mark this season. His previous high was 99 pitches across 12 starts.
Physical toll drives decision
Schmidt’s pitch count climbed steadily through seven frames. The 28-year-old battled mid-80s heat while working around early walks and a hit batter.
His seventh-inning alone required 21 pitches. Signs of fatigue became apparent to Boone and the Yankees’ medical staff.
“Clarke wasn’t in a position to do that today,” Boone explained. “You’re going to power through pitch limits within reason. Today was not that day for Clarke.”
Schmidt agreed with the call, despite his disappointment.
“When you’re at the 103 mark and you have two more innings to go and you have 80 more games to go, you’ve got to think the bigger picture here,” Schmidt said. “It’s a tough conversation to have, and you get frustrated. But it’s kind of a mutual feeling.”
Carlos Rodon and Max Fried have shouldered heavy workloads. Boone faces constant pressure to balance performance with injury prevention.
Schmidt’s medical history influenced the choice. The 2017 draft pick underwent Tommy John surgery before turning professional. He’s hit the injured list five times during his career.
This season started late for Schmidt due to rotator cuff tendonitis. His current scoreless streak spans 25 1/3 innings.
“Kind of feel like Clarke’s one of the more underrated starting pitchers in the game,” Boone said. “To be under 3.00 ERA now after a little bit of getting his feet wet.”
Schmidt carries a 4-3 record with a 2.84 ERA. Only Fried ranks better among Yankees starters.
Modern baseball shifts away from historic pursuits
Boone’s move reflects baseball’s evolving approach to no-hitters. Johan Santana’s 134-pitch no-hitter in 2012 potentially ended his career prematurely.
Combined no-hitters have become commonplace since then. Twelve of the 54 no-hitters thrown since Santana’s feat involved multiple pitchers.
The Yankees have pulled starters during no-hit bids before. Luis Severino and Nestor Cortes both lost chances in 2022 due to pitch counts.
Teams now prioritize seasons over singular moments. The postseason takes precedence over individual achievements.
Schmidt remained confident in his abilities.
“Yeah, I would have thrown a no-hitter,” he said, laughing.
Brubaker ends the no-hitter bid
JT Brubaker made his Yankees debut in the eighth inning. The right-hander returned to MLB after a lengthy injury absence.
Gary Sanchez broke up the no-hit bid with a single off Brubaker. The Yankees secured the shutout despite losing their historic chance.
Boone didn’t consider using high-leverage relievers to preserve a combined no-hitter.
“That was an easy decision,” he said.
Catcher J.C. Escarra felt conflicted about the choice.
“Part of me did want to see that,” he said. “But, ultimately, just for his health, he had to come out.”
Brubaker praised Schmidt’s dominant performance.
“Unbelievable,” Brubaker said. “He absolutely dominated with every single pitch he had in the arsenal.”
NYY
Boone puts Schmidt’s health over history
The Yankees manager faces regular criticism for prioritizing the future over the present. His decision received support from Schmidt and the team medical staff.
October remains the Yankees’ primary goal. June headlines can’t overshadow playoff aspirations.
Aaron Boone's initial comments to the media on Clarke Schmidt's performance, and his exit, following seven no-hit innings Saturday. #YANKSonYESpic.twitter.com/0GicM6kXTE
