Yankees rotation shake-up looms: Who will make way for Schmidt?

Yankees’ pitcher Clarke Schmidt, who had thrown 20 pitches earlier in the week, completed an uninterrupted 25-pitch session on Saturday. Afterward, he expressed confidence that his full repertoire, used against rehabbing hitters Jon Berti, Anthony Rizzo, and Jose Trevino, would have been effective in a live game. Manager Aaron Boone also shared his enthusiasm for Schmidt’s performance.

The Yankees are currently weighing the timing of Schmidt’s next steps, including when he might progress to rehabilitation games and how many appearances would be necessary. Optimism is growing that Schmidt could rejoin the rotation before the month’s end.

“I would say [a return] by the end of the month I think is very realistic,” Schmidt said on Saturday.

Clarke Schmidt is throwing his second live batting practice this morning. #Yankees
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— Bronx Bombers News (@NewsBronx) August 10, 2024

Following this promising simulated game, Schmidt reiterated his confidence in a Yankees return before August concludes. He cited his ability to throw 25 pitches across a full range during his second live session as evidence that he’s on track for a timely comeback.

The next phase in Schmidt’s recovery is another live session scheduled for Wednesday. Afterward, the Yankees will decide whether a third session is required or if Schmidt is ready to begin a rehab assignment.

Schmidt referenced Gerrit Cole‘s recent recovery process, noting that Cole needed only three rehab outings to build up to 68 pitches before returning to the majors, where he continued to increase his workload. The Yankees pitcher is hopeful that a similar approach—two or three rehab games—could prepare him to be a viable option for the team.

Boone, while pleased with Schmidt’s progress, remains cautious. The Yankees manager noted that Schmidt is on track to reach around 50 pitches by month’s end but emphasized the importance of closely monitoring his recovery.

“We’ll see,” he said. “I think [Schmidt is] on pace to be at that kind of 50-ish pitch mark probably by the end of the month. So, we’ll see.”

Yankees rotation shake-up likely

As the Yankees entered Saturday’s doubleheader, they were just half a game behind the division-leading Orioles. Despite being in the thick of the race, manager Aaron Boone is grappling with significant issues in his starting rotation.

The recent struggles of Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes have been particularly worrisome, with their ERAs ballooning to 6.32 and 5.69, respectively. This has fueled speculation that both pitchers might be moved to the bullpen, a shift that could open the door for Clarke Schmidt’s return to the rotation.

At the top of the Yankees’ rotation, Gerrit Cole remains a steady force, with Carlos Rodon showing signs of a return to form as the second starter. Meanwhile, Luis Gil has been a pleasant surprise, though concerns persist about his ability to handle a heavy workload after limited innings in recent years.

With these dynamics in play, Schmidt is likely to be slotted into the fourth spot in the rotation as the Yankees head into the crucial final stretch of the season.

Yet, several questions loom large. The Yankees are uncertain whether Stroman and Cortes can recover their form in time to be effective in October. Additionally, there are lingering doubts about Gil’s stamina and whether Rodon can maintain his recent success under the pressure of New York’s demanding environment.

Schmidt’s early-season performance indicates he could be a key player in the postseason. Before his injury, his 2.52 ERA was the ninth-best in the American League and the lowest among the Yankees’ starters, highlighting his potential to significantly boost the team’s playoff hopes once he returns.

The Yankees are preparing to bring Clarke Schmidt back into their starting rotation once he reaches a pitch count of around 60, following a similar approach to Gerrit Cole’s rehab process in July. At that point in his recovery, Cole had signaled he was ready to return to action.

Manager Boone has been vocal in his praise for Schmidt, previously ranking him among the top 10 to 15 starters in the league before a lat injury put him on the sidelines. He pointed to Schmidt’s considerable progress this season, emphasizing his improved command and ability to handle left-handed batters more effectively. The Yankees skipper also highlighted Schmidt’s growing experience and confidence, noting that the young pitcher has developed into a highly capable starter.

“He’s taken another step forward this year,” he said. “I think he was pitching like one of the top 10 or 15 pitchers in the league before he went down. “I think he’s just got a better grip of his arsenal, more weapons, more ways especially with left-handed hitters to neutralize them a little bit. And then just the experience and the confidence that goes with that. He’s turned into a really good pitcher.”

Given Boone’s confidence in Schmidt’s abilities, it’s likely that the Yankees’ right-hander could play a crucial role in the postseason, provided he can recapture his pre-injury form.

Schmidt remains optimistic about his return, suggesting he could be ready to pitch again within two to three weeks. However, Boone is taking a more cautious approach, avoiding any firm commitments on a return date. The manager acknowledged the unpredictability of baseball and the potential for unforeseen setbacks.

“We’ll see,” the Yankees boss said. “There’s a lot that can happen on a baseball calendar. But we’re obviously building (Schmidt) up to be a starter.”

Despite the cautious outlook, Boone confirmed that the team is focused on increasing Schmidt’s stamina with the goal of reinstating him as a starter. This plan reflects the Yankees’ long-term investment in Schmidt and their belief in his potential to be a key figure in their rotation.

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