The New York Yankees made a late rotation adjustment ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Tampa Bay Rays, scratching right-hander Clarke Schmidt due to left flank soreness. Though the move raised eyebrows, the club confirmed it is a precautionary step and not a sign of a more serious setback.
Schmidt, who threw a season-high 90 pitches during his most dominant outing of the year last Sunday in Toronto, admitted he’s been dealing with mild soreness since then. Despite throwing throughout the week and pushing to stay on schedule, the Yankees elected to give him additional rest. “He wanted to pitch today,” reported Max Goodman via X, “but the Yankees just wanted to give him an extra few days.”
The right-hander’s next turn is now scheduled for Tuesday against the San Diego Padres, according to manager Aaron Boone, and Schmidt emphasized that this soreness is unrelated to the right rotator cuff tendinitis that postponed his 2024 debut until mid-April.
Ryan Yarbrough gets the nod in spot start
In Schmidt’s place, Ryan Yarbrough will take the mound. The southpaw, who has been used exclusively in relief this season for New York, brings experience as a bulk reliever from his days with both Rays and Los Angeles Angels.
Though Schmidt’s absence is temporary, his recent form had been a bright spot. The 28-year-old limited the Blue Jays to one run on one hit over five innings, striking out six and walking four in arguably his sharpest showing of the campaign.
see also
Tigers’ A.J. Hinch gets candid on Riley Greene after historic ninth-inning show vs. Angels
Yankees banking on depth as rotation faces early tests
With Gerrit Cole still recovering and Carlos Rodón working through inconsistency, the Yankees are once again leaning on organizational depth. Schmidt’s brief pause is expected to be just that — a pause — but it’s another reminder of the tightrope New York’s pitching staff must walk as they navigate an early-season stretch filled with moving pieces. “There’s no IL stint planned,” Goodman reported, confirming that the club is optimistic Schmidt will be fully ready in a matter of days.
see also
Bad news for Angels: Ron Washington provides key update on Mike Trout’s knee injury
