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.

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.

The team announced today that Schmidt has officially commenced a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset, marking an important step toward his return to the major leagues. His potential return could provide a significant boost to the Yankees’ pitching staff.

On March 16, Yankees’ reporter Bryan Hoch shared alarming news regarding Schmidt’s status. Due to shoulder soreness, Schmidt was forced to miss his scheduled start against the Toronto Blue Jays. Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Schmidt was “not getting all the way back to how he normally would,” raising concerns about his health going into the regular season.

Yankees make announcement on rehab progress

Today, the Yankees provided an optimistic update on Schmidt’s recovery, as the team announced through X: “Today, RHP Clarke Schmidt commences a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset.” This positive news gives hope to the Yankees’ rotation, which has faced challenges early in the season. If Schmidt’s rehab progresses well, he is expected to return by mid-April, with the Royals series at Yankee Stadium in mind for his potential re-entry into the rotation.

Clarke Schmidt’s role in the Yankees’ Rotation

Schmidt’s return is pivotal for the Yankees as they aim to stay competitive in the American League. His presence in the rotation could help stabilize the pitching staff and provide added depth. The Yankees will be hoping that Schmidt can shake off the injuries and return to the form that made him a reliable contributor last MLB season.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone opened up about the possibility of the two youngsters wearing pinstripes in the Majors for the first time this weekend as they meet vs. the New York Mets for another edition of the Subway Series:

“They’ll be guys that we’re definitely starting to have conversations that potentially could come into play in some way, shape, or form this weekend,” the manager said before their game vs. the Atlanta Braves.

Deivi García And Clarke Schmidt Are Ready To Debut With The Yankees

Aaron Boone went on to add that even though they’ve only played in simulation games, both pitchers look ready to make an impact right away. In fact, they could tag-team next Sunday, as Jordan Montgomery and JA Happ are expected to start the first two games of the series:

“Both guys, not just from our standpoint in looking at them and obviously impacting our club, but their development. This is what it is this year. So the work they’re doing down there has been good. The reports we’re getting have been very good. But these are important days for them to continue to refine their craft as young players that have bright futures. We’re getting all those reports. We’re able to see whatever video we need to see of their outings. They’re not in a minor-league season but in simulated game-type situations and they’re important,” Boone added.

Expectations are pretty high for García and Schmidt around the Yankees’ organization right now. The team believes they could even come off the bullpen in the postseason, so it only makes sense to call them up for the second half of the season.