New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has been delivering a string of unfortunate updates throughout Spring Training 2025. First, slugger Giancarlo Stanton, battling sore elbows, may not be ready for Opening Day.
The team’s pitching depth has also taken a blow, with two key pitchers dealing with setbacks. On February 19, Boone revealed that right-hander Clarke Schmidt is being slowed by a “cranky back.” According to New York Post beat writer Greg Joyce on X.com, Boone mentioned, “He came in ahead, so the Yankees have slowed him down a bit, but threw a flat side today. If he rebounds well, he’ll throw another side Friday.”
Meanwhile, top pitching prospect Chase Hampton is facing a more concerning issue. Boone reported that Hampton has a right flexor strain and “something going on in the UCL,” and the young pitcher is in New York for further testing. MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch added that Hampton is feeling down about the situation.
These injury reports come just days after the Marcus Stroman drama, which added more tension to Yankees camp. Following the acquisition of Max Fried, Stroman was bumped to sixth in the pitching depth chart and was shopped in trade talks.
However, his $18.5 million vesting option for 2026 has complicated any potential deal. Stroman also skipped the first two days of team workouts, using a CBA loophole that allows players to hold out until February 22, and made it clear he would not accept a bullpen role.
Schmidt, who has become a reliable middle-of-the-rotation arm with a career 3.95 ERA, has dealt with injuries in the past. He made just 16 starts in 2024 due to shoulder fatigue, and his only fully healthy season was 2023, when he made 29 starts with a 4.64 ERA. With several pitchers now dealing with injuries, the Yankees might face early concerns about the depth of their starting rotation heading into the 2025 season.
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