The New York Yankees entered the 2025 MLB season as a World Series contender, but injuries have hit the team even before Opening Day.
Star pitcher Gerrit Cole is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is also sidelined to start the season, leaving a major hole in the pitching staff. And now, just before Opening Day, the Yankees have received even more concerning news about their starting rotation.
New York Yankees Pitcher Clarke Schmidt Scratched From Start
On Sunday, March 16, Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt was scheduled to start in the Grapefruit League but was scratched due to soreness in his pitching shoulder, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
Schmidt was originally set to pitch on Sunday, but Cam Schlittler took his place. Following his absence on Sunday, Schmidt has also been ruled out for Monday. While no medical tests are currently scheduled, Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed the team’s plan for Schmidt.
“With some of the attrition we’ve had, it’s not something we want to push,” Boone said. “He’s just not bouncing back as well as he wanted to.”
“I think we’re just being cautious with it, but he’s not making his start [Monday], so there’s at least that concern,” Boone continued. “Hopefully, he recovers, has no issues with the ‘pen [session], and then, we’ll insert him back in a couple of days.”
This latest setback is troubling for the Yankees, especially given their injury struggles with Gil and Cole.
Another Concern for the Pitching Staff
Schmidt, 29, has spent his entire MLB career with the Yankees. In 2023, he established himself in the rotation, making 32 starts. He posted a 9-9 record with a 4.64 ERA that season and improved to 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA in 2024.
Unfortunately, Schmidt missed June, July, and August last season due to a lat strain and is now dealing with another injury before the season even begins. With his status now uncertain, New York has named Carlos Rodón as their Opening Day starter, followed by Max Fried.
The remaining spots in the rotation will likely go to a combination of Marcus Stroman, Will Warren, Allan Winans, and Carlos Carrasco, with Schmidt expected to be an option if he recovers. Simply put, the Yankees can’t afford another injury to their pitching staff, making Schmidt’s status one to monitor closely.