The New York Yankees are poised to have all six of their starting pitchers healthy and available for the first time since early March. Manager Aaron Boone revealed that there is a “very good chance” Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil will return from the injured list next week while the team is in Chicago facing the 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, who has been recovering from a lower back strain suffered on August 20, completed an 80-pitch rehab outing on Sunday with Somerset and is nearing his return.
With Schmidt and Gil on the brink of returning, the Yankees face a decision about how to handle their starting rotation. Currently, only one spot is available after rookie Will Warren was optioned to Triple-A. The Yankees must decide whether to reinsert Schmidt and Gil into the rotation or to consider using a six-man rotation for the time being.
As the postseason approaches, the Yankees will need to narrow their rotation down to four starters and determine whether the remaining pitchers will be used in the bullpen or left off the playoff roster entirely. Boone is not rushing to make any decisions and will wait until he confirms that Schmidt and Gil are fully ready.
Following a 14-7 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday, Boone noted, “They haven’t pitched yet. Clarke is pitching tomorrow in a rehab game, so we’ll see. If we have to make a decision in seven days, then we’ll do that. But right now, we’re focusing on getting those guys ready to return.”
Nestor Cortes, who pitched on Sunday, had his streak of strong performances interrupted. He gave up five earned runs on nine hits over four innings, a stark contrast to his previous three outings where he allowed just one earned run in 20 2/3 innings.
With Warren’s recent demotion and Cortes’ outing, it’s possible Cortes could be the odd man out if Schmidt and Gil are activated. However, Boone confirmed that Cortes will make his next scheduled start.
The Yankees might opt for a six-man rotation temporarily. Cole, Rodón, and Stroman are set to pitch against the Rangers in Texas. After a Thursday off day, the rotation could feature Cortes, Gil, and Schmidt, giving Gil and Schmidt an extra day of rest following their rehab starts.
Boone has not committed to any specific plan yet, stating, “Not necessarily. Again, that’s still days off. I wouldn’t rule out anything. But not committed to anything quite yet.”