Clarke Schmidt Scratched from Yankees Start Due to Side Soreness

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt was scratched from his scheduled start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday due to soreness in his left side. The decision comes after Schmidt reached a season-high 90 pitches in his last outing on April 27. He will be replaced by Ryan Yarbrough for Saturday’s game.

Schmidt, 28, stated that the injury is not related to the right rotator cuff tendinitis that previously delayed his season debut until April 16. He expressed confidence that the issue is minor and stated, “I expect to pitch on Tuesday night against the Padres.” He added that he does not believe he will need to go on the injured list.

Despite some mild soreness, Schmidt noted that he pushed through the discomfort in his recent practice sessions. “I could have started today, but the team wanted to give me a few extra days of rest,” he said, acknowledging that the Yankees’ decision will help preserve the bullpen’s effectiveness.

In Schmidt’s absence, Yarbrough will take the mound. Yarbrough has primarily worked as a reliever this season, but he has experience in starting roles from his time with previous teams. The Yankees hope Schmidt’s rest will facilitate a quick return to form as they navigate their pitching depth early in the season.

This move is intended to be precautionary, with no injured list stint planned for Schmidt. The team is optimistic he will be ready to pitch again shortly.