As the New York Yankees gear up for the 2025 MLB season, injury concerns have begun to mount, particularly in their pitching staff. With Clarke Schmidt, Mark Leiter Jr., and Tyler Matzek all dealing with setbacks, the Yankees may need to make some roster adjustments ahead of Opening Day. Meanwhile, Paul Goldschmidt was pulled early from a recent Grapefruit League game, though he remains confident he’ll be ready to go by March 28.
Here’s a closer look at the Yankees’ latest injury updates and what they could mean for the start of the season.
Schmidt faces uncertain start to Yankees’ 2025 season
Right-hander Clarke Schmidt was expected to be a key part of the Yankees’ starting rotation, but his status for the beginning of the season remains uncertain due to right shoulder fatigue.
Schmidt was originally scheduled to start against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 17 but was scratched as a precaution. Instead, he threw 24 pitches in a bullpen session and reported feeling “great” afterward. However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone has confirmed that Schmidt will not be fully built up to 75-80 pitches in time for the regular season opener.
Given his history, the Yankees are taking a cautious approach. Schmidt missed nearly three months last season due to a right lat strain, an issue that disrupted his momentum after a promising first half in 2024. He returned in September, but the team remains wary of overloading him too quickly.
The current plan is for Schmidt to throw a live batting practice session on March 20, and from there, the Yankees will determine his next steps. If he needs more time to ramp up his workload, he could begin the regular season on the injured list (IL) to build stamina before rejoining the rotation.
This could open the door for Carlos Carrasco and Will Warren to temporarily fill Schmidt’s spot in the rotation.
Mark Leiter Jr.’s back injury raises concerns
Another Yankees pitcher facing uncertainty is reliever Mark Leiter Jr., who was expected to throw a bullpen session on Sunday but was unable to take the mound due to ongoing back discomfort.
According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, the fact that Leiter Jr. did not throw as planned has raised concerns that the injury could be more significant than initially thought.
At 34, Leiter Jr. was projected to play an important role in the Yankees’ bullpen, particularly with his ability to generate swings and misses. In 2024, he split time between the Chicago Cubs and Yankees, posting a 4.50 ERA over 70 innings. While the ERA doesn’t stand out, his 13.71 K/9 rate demonstrated his value as a strikeout specialist.
If Leiter Jr.’s back issue lingers into Opening Day, the Yankees may need to consider other bullpen options, including top prospects doing fine at their spring camp.
Tyler Matzek recovering from a strained right oblique
The Yankees are also monitoring left-hander Tyler Matzek, who sustained a moderate right oblique strain on February 25. However, there are positive signs in his recovery.
Matzek, considered asymptomatic as of March 7, threw a bullpen session on March 17 and is scheduled to throw again on March 20. If all goes well, he could resume facing live hitters soon.
Given the Yankees’ need for left-handed bullpen depth, Matzek’s health will be crucial heading into the regular season.
Paul Goldschmidt’s sore back still holds him back
While pitching injuries dominate the Yankees’ concerns, they did have a minor scare with Paul Goldschmidt, who was pulled from a March 17 game after just two at-bats due to back tightness.
However, Goldschmidt himself downplayed the issue, stating that he has “zero” concerns about being ready for Opening Day. He underwent treatment on March 18 and is set to resume baseball activities on March 21.
Boone confirmed that the plan is for Goldschmidt to return to Grapefruit League action on March 22 against the Detroit Tigers, barring any setbacks.
The Yankees acquired Goldschmidt in an offseason trade to bolster their offense and provide a veteran presence at first base. If his back issue proves to be a lingering problem, the team could turn to DJ LeMahieu or Oswaldo Cabrera to fill in temporarily.
What this means for the Yankees heading into Opening Day
With Opening Day less than two weeks away, the Yankees face some roster uncertainty—especially with their pitching staff.
- Schmidt’s absence (if he starts on the IL) could force the Yankees to use an internal rotation option such as Luis Gil or Yoendrys Gómez until he is fully stretched out.
- Leiter Jr.’s back issues could open a bullpen spot for a younger reliever.
- Matzek’s progress will determine whether the Bombers have another left-handed relief option for the start of the season.
- Goldschmidt’s back tightness appears minor, but the Yankees will still monitor him closely.
For now, the biggest question remains Schmidt’s timeline. His progression in the next few days will dictate whether he is ready to pitch in early April or needs more time to build up stamina. With Cole out for the season, the Yankees can’t afford further instability in their rotation, making Schmidt’s status a crucial storyline to watch.
While the Yankees have built depth to withstand injuries, their current situation underscores the importance of having reliable backups—especially in the starting rotation and bullpen.
The coming days will be critical in determining how these players progress and whether Schmidt, Leiter Jr., Matzek, or Goldschmidt will be ready for Opening Day or need additional time to recover.
For now, the Yankees’ 2025 season plan remains intact, but fans should expect a few roster adjustments before the team takes the field against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 28 at Yankee Stadium.
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