Yankees Face Injury Woes as Clarke Schmidt Joins Injured List

The New York Yankees’ bullpen just got hit with some tough news. Pitcher Clarke Schmidt left Thursday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays with clear forearm tightness.

Schmidt’s been a key part of the Yankees’ rotation this year. He’s been dealing with similar discomfort lately, but this is the first time he’ll get formal tests to figure out what’s really going on.

With Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil still out, losing Schmidt would make a rough season even harder. The timing couldn’t be much worse.

The Unraveling Details of Schmidt’s Injury

On a night when the Yankees desperately needed stability, Schmidt just didn’t have it. He lasted only 2 ⅔ innings, gave up four hits, three runs, and tossed 55 pitches before calling for help.

That nagging forearm tightness had been bothering him for a few starts. Now, the Yankees and their fans have to wait for his MRI results when the team returns to New York. It’s anyone’s guess how long he’ll be out.

What Schmidt Means to the Yankees’ Rotation

Schmidt’s 2023 season has been a real grind, but he’s held his own. He’s put up a 3.32 ERA and a 4-4 record, often stepping up when the rotation needed it most.

Just a few weeks ago, Schmidt set a franchise record with a 28 1/3 scoreless inning streak—the longest by a Yankees pitcher in over 70 years. For a team fighting for a spot in the AL East, his consistency has been a lifeline.

Clayton Beeter’s Tough MLB Introduction

With Schmidt out, the Yankees handed the ball to Clayton Beeter, a recent call-up from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes/Barre. Beeter’s first taste of the majors wasn’t exactly storybook.

He gave up three runs on three hits in two innings, and any hope for a comeback faded fast. After the game, the Yankees quickly sent him back to Triple-A, ending his short stint with the big club.

Juggling a Fragile Rotation

This rotation just can’t catch a break. Cole and Gil are still stuck on the injured list, so the team’s been leaning on guys like Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, and Marcus Stroman.

Stroman, fresh off his own injury, is still trying to find his groove. Will Warren’s up-and-down performance really stung in that wild 11-9 loss to the Blue Jays.

That defeat dropped the Yankees from the top of the AL East. It’s hard not to feel like that game was a turning point, or at least a wake-up call.

The Bigger Picture: Yankees’ Midseason Turmoil

The Yankees have dealt with adversity before, but it never gets easier. Schmidt’s exit against Toronto, plus the battered rotation and unpredictable offense, just adds to the pile of challenges this year.

Potential Replacements and Next Steps

So, what now? The Yankees might look at prospects like Randy Vásquez, who’s been solid at Triple-A, or maybe try a bullpen arm or two in spot starts.

With the trade deadline creeping up, there’s a good chance Brian Cashman will feel the heat to find a proven arm. The pressure’s on, and honestly, it’s hard to know what move makes the most sense right now.

Final Thoughts

The Yankees’ season is a marathon, not a sprint. Losing a cornerstone like Clarke Schmidt for any stretch would sting.

Still, there’s time for the team to adjust. With some key players maybe coming back soon and a dependable core, New York has to show it can weather storms again.

The MRI results for Schmidt could be a turning point. Yankees fans are holding their breath, just hoping for the best.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees Lose Another Pitcher to Injury