BREAKING NEWS: Clarke Schmidt Set to Rejoin Yankees’ Rotation Next Week After Injury Recovery
April 12, 2025 – Bronx, NY
The New York Yankees are getting a major boost to their pitching staff as right-hander Clarke Schmidt is officially set to rejoin the team’s starting rotation next week after an extended stint on the injured list due to a back issue and shoulder tendinitis.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed Saturday that Schmidt has completed his rehab assignments without setbacks and is on track to make his first start of the 2025 season during the team’s upcoming homestand. The timing couldn’t be better, as the Yankees continue to grapple with injuries and inconsistencies in their starting rotation.
“He’s looked sharp in his bullpen sessions, and we’re seeing the velocity, the command—everything we need to feel confident that he’s ready,” Boone told reporters before Saturday’s rain-shortened game in San Francisco. “We’ll slot him in next week and go from there.”
Schmidt, 29, was expected to play a key role in the Yankees’ rotation this season, especially following the injury to ace Gerrit Cole. However, Schmidt experienced discomfort in his back during spring training, which was later compounded by shoulder tendinitis, delaying his start to the year.
The right-hander spent the past two weeks pitching at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he made two appearances, throwing a combined nine innings while allowing just one run and striking out 11. According to team sources, Schmidt reported no pain or discomfort after either outing.
With Marcus Stroman struggling and Carlos Carrasco’s role uncertain, Schmidt’s return could help stabilize a rotation that has yet to find its rhythm early in the season. The Yankees currently sit in the middle of the AL East standings and are relying heavily on young arms to carry the load in Cole’s absence.
“We know what Clarke brings when he’s healthy,” Boone added. “He was a big part of our success last year and we expect the same kind of presence moving forward.”
Last season, Schmidt posted a career-best 3.88 ERA over 30 starts, tallying 163 strikeouts across 165.2 innings. His breakout campaign in 2024 earned him a firm spot in the rotation and raised expectations for 2025.
In the clubhouse, the news was met with optimism. Several teammates spoke highly of Schmidt’s work ethic and leadership during his rehab.
“He’s one of the hardest-working guys we’ve got,” said catcher Jose Trevino. “Having him back is going to be huge for us, especially at this point in the season when we need to get on a roll.”
As of now, Schmidt is expected to start against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium next Thursday. While the team has not made an official roster move yet, it’s anticipated that Carrasco or a struggling reliever may be optioned or shifted to the bullpen to make space.
With postseason aspirations and a highly competitive AL East, the Yankees are hoping Schmidt’s return can inject the rotation with much-needed consistency—and potentially be a turning point for a team still trying to find its early-season identity.