Yankees’ Clarke Schmidt Lands on 15-Day IL: What His Forearm Tightness Means for the Team

The Yankees have placed starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt on the 15-day injured list due to tightness in his right forearm. This move comes after Schmidt had to exit a game early against the Blue Jays, where he allowed three runs in three innings. He revealed he’s been dealing with this issue for about a month. As a precaution, he is scheduled for imaging today.

This injury raises concerns, especially since the Yankees decided to place him on the injured list before his MRI results were in. It’s unclear whether there will be updates on his status later today.

At 29, Schmidt has faced challenges this season, missing the first three weeks with rotator cuff tendonitis. Before the injury, he had shown promise, delivering a 3.32 ERA over 16 starts this year. His performance from last season adds to the urgency—he recorded a 3.07 ERA over 30 starts and 164 innings combined across both years. With Schmidt out, the Yankees will feel the absence of a key player in their rotation.

The team is already struggling with pitching depth. Gerrit Cole is out for the year, and Luis Gil has been sidelined with a lat strain since spring training. Ryan Yarbrough is also on the IL with an oblique strain. Though Max Fried and Carlos Rodón are solid at the top of the rotation, there’s inconsistency among the younger pitchers. Will Warren, a rookie, has had mixed performances, and Marcus Stroman is just back from his own injury.

The only other healthy starter on the 40-man roster is Allan Winans, who has excelled in Triple-A but has a shaky 7.38 career ERA in the MLB. The team may consider JT Brubaker, who hasn’t started in the majors since 2022 but has been used in the bullpen.

As for potential reinforcements, the Yankees are eyeing pitching prospect Cam Schlittler. He has been impressive in the minors but lacks extensive experience at the Triple-A level, having had only five starts there. The Yankees could seek additional help if Schmidt’s absence extends. Keeping the rotation intact is vital as they aim to climb back to first place in the AL East.

In the broader context, MLB teams often face similar challenges with injuries impacting their rotations. For instance, last season saw numerous teams struggle with pitcher health, highlighting the ongoing issue in professional baseball. The Yankees’ current situation echoes historical instances when key players went down, forcing teams to adapt rapidly.

As fans react on social media, many express concern over the team’s depth and the potential for a rocky season ahead. The latest situation with Schmidt reminds everyone how quickly things can change in sports.



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