Despite the number of injuries the Yankees have had this season, they still have the best record in the American League. This means that when those players do return, they’ll be even more poised to take the AL East.
Particularly, starting pitching has been lacking as of late for the Yanks. Gerrit Cole has not been his usual self, and the rest of the rotation hasn’t really picked up the slack. Luckily, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt are both on the verge of returning to the mound.
Multiple Injured Yankees To Return In September
Revamping The Rotation
The return of these two young hurlers is huge for the Yankees, even if one or both are given different roles. Schmidt, who is recovering from a lat strain sustained in May, has already made 2 minor league rehab starts. While Schmidt may be ready to return to the mound, the team is being very cautious with their young right-hander, and they may keep him on the sidelines for a little longer as a precaution. As for Gil, he is on the mend from a back strain that sent him to the 15-day IL earlier this month. Having made one rehab appearance already, the AL Rookie of the Year candidate is expected to make another rehab start on Sunday.
Clarke Schmidt retired nine straight batters to begin his first start on MLB Rehab Assignment #RepBX @Yankees
3️⃣.2️⃣ IP | 1️⃣ R | 1️⃣ H | 1️⃣ BB | 6️⃣ K pic.twitter.com/wBp02LAGyX
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) August 23, 2024
Clarke Schmidt’s rehab in Scranton: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K
His final K of the outing came on a failed ABS challenge from Travis Blankenhorn pic.twitter.com/D4Nf5Q0Xur
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) August 29, 2024
Both pitchers will likely be given strict pitch limits, especially as rosters are expanding for September, giving the Yankees a little more wiggle room for the bullpen. Regardless, having these two young pitchers back in the mix will be crucial to New York’s postseason push.
Rizzo Back In Action
Things were already bad for Anthony Rizzo when he fractured his arm on June 18. Already struggling at the plate, in addition to the Yankees having an option at the end of the season, it appeared that Rizzo may have played his final game in pinstripes.
Dr. Lauren Borowski from @nyulangone joins us to discuss Anthony Rizzo’s recovery and when he may rejoin the #Yankees lineup. #sponsored https://t.co/mZKzTL6ifn pic.twitter.com/gmast5hf8T
— New York Post (@nypost) August 30, 2024
Fortunately for Rizzo and the Yankees, the 35 year-old made quick progress on his recovery. He’s already seeing time at first in the minors, meaning he could return to the Bronx in the coming days. He returns at a good time too: first base has arguably been the Yanks’ weakest position this year. Though Rizzo is on the decline, his bat still adds to the Yankees’ lineup rather than taking away from it.
Relief For The Bullpen
Though not as talked about as Rizzo, Schmidt or Gil, the Yankees have a plethora of relievers in the wings. Scott Effross and Ron Marinaccio have been stewing in Triple-A since July. When rosters expand on Sunday, Effross and Marinaccio may both be recalled and could really help bolster the ‘pen. Ian Hamilton and Nick Burdi are both on the mend. They could possibly return sometime in September as well, meaning that the Yankees will have a lot of depth going into the postseason push.
With a roster that is going to get healthier, it looks like the already-contending Yankees are going to get better.
Main Photo Credits: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
