The New York Yankees have been dealing with a string of injuries throughout spring training, particularly in their starting rotation, leaving them searching for healthy pitching options. So when Clarke Schmidt was scratched from his scheduled Grapefruit League start on Monday, there was immediate concern that he might be the latest addition to their growing injury list. However, for once, the Yankees received some positive news in Spring Training 2025.
Rather than taking the mound, Schmidt threw a 24-pitch bullpen session at the Yankees’ spring training facility under the supervision of pitching coach Matt Blake and team trainers. Afterward, he reassured reporters that he felt good and remained on track for his first regular-season start on April 3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. “I wouldn’t be throwing if there was a concern of something major,” Schmidt told Greg Joyce of the New York Post. The real test will be how his body responds in the coming days, but for now, the Yankees can breathe a sigh of relief.
Schmidt, 29, had already been slowed earlier in camp due to back soreness and has battled injuries throughout much of his career. His most recent setback raised concerns, especially with the Yankees already facing major losses in their rotation—Gerrit Cole is out for the season following Tommy John surgery, and Luis Gil will miss at least three months with a lat strain.
Schmidt is coming off a strong 2024 campaign, where he posted a 2.85 ERA over 16 starts before injuries cut his season short. The Yankees are counting on him to take on a bigger role this year and, most importantly, stay healthy. Monday’s session was at least a step in the right direction.
