Clarke Schmidt has expressed eagerness to rejoin the Yankees’ rotation as early as Monday, following two minor league rehab starts. With his pitch count reaching around 65, Schmidt feels optimistic about his recovery from a lat strain that has sidelined him since late May.
The Yankees face a challenging decision regarding Schmidt’s return, particularly with the roster expanding to 28 players on Sunday and ongoing adjustments to the bullpen. Pitching coach Matt Blake noted that Schmidt has met the recovery benchmarks, with the main consideration now being his pitch count.
The team is contemplating using Schmidt for approximately four innings and then relying on the bullpen for the remainder of the game. This plan may be influenced by the results of their weekend series against the Cardinals.
Expert clears air on Yankees Rizzo concern
In a recent interview with Dexter Henry of New York Post Sports, Dr. Lauren Borowski from NYU Langone shared updates on Anthony Rizzo‘s recovery. The Yankees’ first baseman has been out since mid-June after fracturing his arm during a game against the Boston Red Sox.
The Yankees have faced challenges at first base during Rizzo’s absence, with DJ LeMahieu and Ben Rice struggling to fill the void. Rizzo is currently in a rehab assignment with the Double-A Somerset Patriots as part of his recovery process.
When asked about the typical recovery timeline for such an injury, Dr. Borowski explained that it usually takes between six to eight weeks. She noted that Rizzo’s rehabilitation seems to be on track, with no setbacks reported. Assuming his overall health remains stable, Dr. Borowski expects Rizzo to be ready within the standard timeframe.
Her assessment matches the Yankees’ projected timeline for Rizzo’s return, suggesting the veteran first baseman is progressing well. This update offers Yankees fans hope that Rizzo could soon rejoin the lineup, potentially boosting the team’s offensive output as they push toward the season’s critical stages.
Dr. Lauren Borowski provided further insight into Anthony Rizzo’s injury, describing it as likely a non-displaced fracture, where the broken bone ends remain aligned. She contrasted this with more severe fractures that might necessitate surgery, such as when bone fragments are significantly separated, misaligned, or when there is additional damage to the ulna.
Discussing the Yankees’ approach to evaluating a player’s readiness to return, Dr. Borowski outlined key criteria. One of the primary indicators is the formation of a bony callus at the fracture site, which signifies healing as the body deposits new bone around the break. Over time, this new bone remodels, restoring the bone’s normal structure. The progression is monitored with periodic X-rays to assess the development of the callus.
Dr. Borowski also emphasized the importance of a cautious and incremental increase in workout intensity during the recovery process. She explained that as healing advances, the medical staff carefully integrates more strenuous activities, including weight training and high-impact drills that mimic the forces of playing baseball. This gradual escalation helps ensure that Rizzo can withstand the rigors of game action without risking re-injury, supporting a safe and effective return to the field.
Luis Gil, Hamilton, Berti injury updates
Luis Gil, recovering from a back strain, is also expected to make another rehab appearance, potentially on Sunday, according to manager Aaron Boone.
Additionally, the Yankees’ bullpen is set for changes after Sunday. Ian Hamilton, out with a lat strain, could return as soon as Sunday. Scott Effross, who is rehabbing at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Tommy John surgery, has shown improvement, allowing just one run in his last eight appearances. Blake highlighted the importance of finding the right moment for Effross to regain his form, as his potential return could be crucial for the team’s postseason aspirations.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that Jon Berti, who has been out with a calf injury since May, will continue his rehab assignment into next week. Berti’s injury played a role in the Yankees’ decision to trade for Jazz Chisholm Jr.
These updates underscore the Yankees’ ongoing efforts to manage their roster effectively, balancing the return of injured players with the potential addition of emerging talents like Dominguez.
These updates underscore the Yankees’ intricate decisions as they navigate player returns from injuries and adjust their pitching staff for the season’s final stretch and potential playoff run.
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