GOODNEWS: Yankees Will Welcome 6 Injured Arms Set To Return In Game Vs Chicago Cubs
The New York Yankees are on the verge of having all six of their starting pitchers healthy and available for the first time since early March.
Manager Aaron Boone mentioned on Sunday that there’s a “very good chance” both Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil will return from the injured list next week during the Yankees’ series against the Chicago Cubs.
Schmidt, who has been out since late May due to a lat strain, is expected to make his final rehab start with Double-A Somerset on Monday.
Gil has been sidelined with a lower back strain since August 20 but has continued throwing. He made an 80-pitch rehab outing with Somerset on Sunday to build back up.
With Schmidt and Gil both nearing their returns and progressing as starters, the Yankees face a decision regarding their rotation. They currently have only one spot available after rookie Will Warren was optioned to Triple-A. The team must decide whether to move someone into a different role to keep a five-man rotation or opt for a six-man rotation for the time being.
**RESTORING THE GLORY**
As the postseason approaches, the Yankees will need to trim their rotation down to four starters and decide whether the remaining arms should transition to the bullpen or be left off the playoff roster entirely.
Manager Aaron Boone is not making any premature decisions, preferring to wait until Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil are officially back from their injuries. While the Yankees have likely already considered various scenarios and contingency plans, Boone remains cautious, stating, “we’ll see” in his press conferences.
“They haven’t pitched yet,” Boone remarked following Sunday’s 14-7 loss to the Cardinals. “Clarke is pitching tomorrow in a rehab game, so we’ll see. If we have to make a decision at some point in seven days, then we’ll do that. But right now, we’re getting those guys ready to come back and start.”
Nestor Cortes had a tough outing on Sunday, surrendering five earned runs on nine hits over four innings, a stark contrast to his previous three dominant performances where he allowed just one earned run over 20 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, rookie Will Warren, who pitched on Saturday, was demoted to Triple-A later that night.
With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Marcus Stroman scheduled to pitch against the Rangers on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, respectively, the potential return of Schmidt and Gil in Chicago raises questions. Could Cortes be the odd man out?
Not necessarily. Boone confirmed that Cortes will make his next scheduled start. This leaves open the possibility of the Yankees experimenting with a six-man rotation for the next cycle. After Thursday’s off day, they could start Cortes, followed by Gil and Schmidt, providing extra rest for the latter two after their rehab outings.
Before Saturday’s loss to St. Louis, Boone was asked about the potential of a six-man rotation. His response: “Not necessarily. Again, that’s still days off. I wouldn’t rule out anything. But not committed to anything quite yet.”