The New York Yankees are experiencing a tumultuous season marked by significant player injuries, culminating in the potential loss of starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt. Manager Aaron Boone announced that Schmidt is likely to require Tommy John surgery, which would sideline him for the current season and potentially all of next season. As a critical part of the Yankees’ pitching lineup, Schmidt has demonstrated impressive form with a 3.32 ERA in 14 games and recently broke a franchise record by pitching 28.1 consecutive scoreless innings. However, the prospect of a second Tommy John surgery looms large, as he previously underwent the procedure in 2017 shortly before being drafted by the Yankees.
Schmidt’s setback traces back to discomfort in his right forearm, which he first noticed during a game against the Cleveland Guardians on June 4. This discomfort escalated, leading to his placement on the injured list. In his most recent outing against the Toronto Blue Jays, Schmidt managed only three innings, during which he allowed three earned runs, before exiting due to injury. The Yankees now find themselves at a critical juncture in their pitching rotation, struggling to maintain stability with multiple pitchers sidelined and others underperforming.
The Yankees’ starting rotation looks precarious without Schmidt. While the team boasts a formidable duo in Max Fried and Carlos Rodon, the rest of the rotation is fraught with uncertainty. Ryan Yarbrough is currently on the injured list with an oblique injury and has not resumed throwing, thereby putting further pressure on the team. Furthermore, reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil recently began throwing to hitters again after recovering from a lat injury but remains an unknown factor in the rotation.
Compounding the Yankees’ woes, Marcus Stroman’s return from injury has not borne fruit, as he holds a dismal 7.45 ERA from five starts this season. Meanwhile, rookie Will Warren has shown signs of potential but possesses a less-than-stellar 5.02 ERA in 18 starts. In response to Schmidt’s injury, the Yankees have called up Cam Schlittler, who has shown promise with a 3.52 ERA across 15 games in the minors. However, transitioning from the minors to the majors presents its own challenges, leaving fans wondering if he will be able to effectively fill Schmidt’s shoes.
As the Yankees grapple with diminishing returns from their pitching staff, the ramifications are visible in the standings. The team has lost five consecutive games and fallen out of first place for the first time since April, trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by two games. This losing streak threatens to derail their season aspirations, raising the stakes for their performances in upcoming games. The Yankees will aim to halt their downward spiral when they face the New York Mets in the second game of their three-game series, all while trying to regain momentum in a fiercely competitive AL East.
The Yankees find themselves at a crossroads, balancing the urgency of immediate performance against the long-term impact of injuries. With Schmidt likely facing another extended recovery period, the team’s depth will be tested as they manage crucial games against division rivals. For fans and management alike, the hope is that the Yankees can rally, leveraging their existing talent while integrating new blood from the minors. As the season progresses, the team’s ability to adapt will be key in navigating their current challenges and ultimately determining their fate in a tightly contested league.
