The New York Yankees are getting closer to having one of their key starters back in action.
Manager Aaron Boone shared with reporters after Tuesday’s loss that right-hander Clarke Schmidt is expected to rejoin the rotation around April 15 or 16, likely during the Yankees’ series against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium.
Schmidt will make a rehab appearance with Double-A Somerset this weekend. Last season, Schmidt quietly became a dependable presence for the Yankees, posting a 2.85 ERA over 85.1 innings with 9.81 strikeouts per nine innings. He was a consistent, reliable option every fifth day—traits the Yankees could really use right now while dealing with the absence of Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil.
Will Warren’s Chance to Step Up
Until Schmidt returns, the Yankees are relying on rookie Will Warren to step up and fill the gap.
Warren made his MLB debut on Tuesday night against the Diamondbacks, and while his stat line might not fully reflect it, there were positives to take away. He pitched five innings, allowing just one hit—a home run to Corbin Carroll—while walking four and striking out four.
Though the walks were an issue, Warren’s stuff showed promise. His fastball had late life, and his sweeper generated some awkward swings. He has the potential to be a solid mid-rotation arm, and another strong outing could change the Yankees’ plans moving forward.
Schmidt’s Return is Imminent
Schmidt has been out since the end of spring training with a shoulder issue, a frustrating injury that disrupted the back end of the rotation. The 28-year-old is expected to start a throwing progression soon, and all signs point to a smooth return. If Warren can refine his command, there’s a good chance he could stay in the rotation even after Schmidt is back.
Carrasco’s Role Could Change
Veteran Carlos Carrasco, 38, is also stepping in during this stretch, but his role could evolve soon.
Carrasco earned a spot in the rotation this spring due to the injuries, but the Yankees know that, over the course of a full season, he might be better suited to a swingman or long-relief role. This way, his experience can still be valuable without wearing him down. If Warren continues to perform well, Carrasco may be moved to the bullpen once Schmidt returns. It’s a delicate balancing act, but one the Yankees have handled before.
The goal remains clear: hold steady until the reinforcements arrive. So far, the makeshift rotation has been holding up, and Schmidt’s return could provide a much-needed boost by mid-April.
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