The Yankees rotation has been lacking to start the season, but the shorthanded unit had one of its key arms take another step towards a return on Thursday night.
Clarke Schmidt made his second rehab assignment appearance in Somerset and twirled four scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and no walks while striking out four.
All of Schmidt’s four strikeouts were looking, and three came via his curveball. The righty threw a total of 61 pitches.
The outing could be Schmidt’s final rehab assignment, as he could potentially make his season debut for the Yanks next week. It would be a welcomed addition, as fill-ins like Marcus Stroman and Carlos Carrasco have struggled at times to begin the season.
“I don’t want to put a target date on that, but we feel really good with where we’re at and we’re close,” Schmidt said after his start. “I’d say the hope and expectation is potentially this upcoming week.”
Schmidt’s progression this spring was delayed due to a back ailment, and his 2024 campaign was interrupted by injury as well. But when healthy, he was fantastic, pitching to a 2.85 ERA in 16 starts. The Yanks could certainly use that production, and Schmidt hopes that they are about to get it back soon.
“It was good to get out there and get in a competitive atmosphere,” Schmidt said. “I think for me, it’s just getting back in that game feel and competitive spirit, pitching in different counts, mixing and matching, and getting creative out there. I was happy with that.”