New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt is likely to be placed on the injured list once again.
Schmidt, who missed several months last season due to a lat strain, has been dealing with a back injury this spring. He was also scratched from a start earlier this week because of shoulder soreness. Schmidt has been limited in Grapefruit League action, having thrown only 38 pitches in his sole start on March 11 before the shoulder issue arose.
Because of his limited spring training, it’s possible Schmidt will start the season on the 15-day injured list.
Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the importance of taking care of Schmidt’s long-term health, saying, “We’re going to do what’s right for Clarke and us over the long haul.” He added, “We gotta get that right… Whether we’re at full strength or have a couple guys down, it doesn’t change the equation. We got to get him right.”
The Yankees’ rotation has already been impacted by injuries to Gerrit Cole (elbow) and Luis Gil (lat). Cole underwent season-ending surgery earlier this month, and Gil is expected to be out until the summer.
Schmidt had a solid 2024 season, going 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA and 2.0 bWAR in 16 starts for the AL champions. However, his postseason performance wasn’t as strong, posting a 5.25 ERA over 12 innings.
If Schmidt does go on the injured list, non-roster invitee Carlos Carrasco seems almost certain to take his spot in the rotation. Carrasco, who turned 38 on Friday, has posted an impressive 2.45 ERA in 11 spring innings.
Marcus Stroman, who spent time in the bullpen last season, was moved to the rotation following Gil’s injury. Carrasco and top prospect Will Warren are now competing for the final spot in the Yankees’ rotation.