Yankees Face Pitching Woes as Clarke Schmidt Recovery Offers Hope

Clarke Schmidt's encouraging bullpen session raises optimism, but Yankees' rotation remains critically thin after multiple injuries.

Clarke Schmidt completed a 24-pitch bullpen session on March 17, reporting he felt 'great,' though his recovery over the next few days will determine his readiness.
The Yankees' pitching rotation has been severely impacted, with Gerrit Cole out for the season following Tommy John surgery and Luis Gil sidelined for at least three months with a lat strain.
Schmidt's shoulder soreness, attributed to slower recovery between outings, has prompted a cautious approach from the Yankees to avoid exacerbating the issue.
The team plans for Schmidt to start the sixth game of the season on April 3, contingent on his recovery, as they manage his workload carefully.
The Yankees are actively exploring trade options to bolster their depleted rotation, with reported interest in acquiring Dylan Cease from the Padres.