Yankees: Clarke Schmidt’s return date revealed—and it’s sooner than you think

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Yankees manager Aaron Boone made his first in-season appearance on Talkin’ Yanks this Tuesday, offering clear updates on the team’s rotation plan—and notably, Clarke Schmidt’s return is now within sight.

The right-hander, currently on the 60-day injured list with a lat strain, threw 46 pitches in his most recent rehab outing and remains on track to rejoin the club on April 15. Boone outlined a deliberate build-up process and praised Clarke Schmidt’s progress.

“He is on line to go in five days for his next start, where hopefully he’s in that kind of mid-upper 50s from a pitch count,” Boone said. “I think the plan is two more starts, which would put him in line to join us on the 15th.”

The club plans to be cautious after Schmidt dealt with back tightness and fatigue during his spring ramp-up. Boone said the issue wasn’t serious, but Schmidt’s all-out approach early in camp contributed to the delay.

“He just goes full speed… and then we’re set back a little bit,” Boone explained.

Boone’s comments suggest Schmidt could slot in during the series against the Cubs at Yankee Stadium—potentially replacing a backend starter if the current rotation stays on schedule.

Luis Gil could return before Schmidt

Right-hander Luis Gil, currently on the 15-day IL with a back strain, might be nearing a return sooner than expected.

“If all goes well, it should be the only start Gil needs before returning to the Yanks,” Boone said.

That would make Gil available sooner than Schmidt, possibly within the next week—an encouraging development as the Yankees work to stabilize their rotation while Gerrit Cole remains sidelined.

Boone leans on Grisham’s defense, remains patient with Dominguez

With the Yankees off to a 3–0 start and leading the league in home runs, Boone also addressed several lineup decisions and player roles.

Trent Grisham’s early inclusion against lefties is less about platoon matchups and more about taking advantage of elite defense.

“I think he’s a really good player,” Boone said. “Especially the defensive value he brings in center.”

That usage has also impacted Jasson Dominguez, who has been subbed out late despite showing maturity at the plate. Boone praised the 21-year-old’s 4.5% chase rate across the opening series.

“He had really good at-bats all weekend… showing the look of a real quality hitter.”

Boone emphasized that Dominguez is still learning defensively in left field and the club is intentionally easing him in.

Pablo Reyes gets nod at third based on defense

Boone confirmed that Pablo Reyes started at third base against Max Fried primarily for defensive reasons. Fried has led the league in groundballs to third base over the past three years, and Boone made a direct call:

“Yes,” he said when asked if that factored into Reyes’s selection.

Oswald Peraza, meanwhile, impressed Boone with a sharp hit off the bench, and Oswaldo Cabrera continues to earn trust with steady defense. Boone made it clear this will remain a fluid situation based on matchups.

“It was really good to see [Peraza’s at-bat], and that kind of fired me up,” Boone said.

Notes: Carrasco, Warren lined up; bullpen decisions pending

Boone also confirmed that Carlos Carrasco and Will Warren will pitch in the coming games against Arizona. Carrasco, who made his Yankees debut in relief, is built up after throwing 80 pitches in a recent minor league outing.

The club may get creative with bullpen use during the series, particularly if Warren and Carrasco can’t go deep. Cody Morris, Luke Weaver, and Nick Burdi are likely to be leaned on early in the season, along with Dennis Santana.

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