BREAKING: Yankees Confirm the Return of Two Top Experienced Stars Back from Terrible Injury

For the first time since early March, the Yankees are on the verge of having all six of their starting pitchers fully healthy and ready to go.

Manager Aaron Boone mentioned on Sunday that there’s 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 scheduled for what could be his final rehab start with Double-A Somerset on Monday. Meanwhile, Gil is finishing up a brief IL stint after a lower back strain on August 20 and pitched 80 rehab innings with Somerset on Sunday to get back into form.

With Schmidt and Gil potentially rejoining the rotation, the Yankees face a decision—a welcome dilemma as they head into the final stretch of the season. They need to determine whether to insert Schmidt and Gil into the rotation—where only one spot is available following rookie Will Warren’s demotion to Triple-A—or if they should opt for a six-man rotation temporarily.

 

 

As the postseason approaches, the Yankees will need to narrow their pitching staff to four starters and decide which of the remaining two will be part of the bullpen or left off the playoff roster altogether.

Boone is not rushing into any decisions until he confirms the return of Gil and Schmidt. While he and the Yankees likely have contingency plans, Boone remains cautious, stating, “They haven’t pitched yet. 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.”

On Sunday, Nestor Cortes’ run of strong performances ended when he allowed five earned runs on nine hits over four innings. This followed three dominant outings where he gave up only one earned run across 20 2/3 innings.

Warren pitched on Saturday before being demoted, and Cortes took the mound on Sunday. Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Marcus Stroman are set to pitch against the Rangers in Texas on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, respectively. If Schmidt and Gil return for the Chicago series, Cortes could potentially be sidelined.

 

 

However, Boone confirmed Cortes will make his next scheduled start, suggesting that the Yankees might adopt a six-man rotation for their next cycle.

Cole, Rodón, and Stroman will pitch in Texas, and following Thursday’s off day, the Yankees could start Cortes, Gil, and Schmidt in that order, giving Gil and Schmidt an extra day of rest after their rehab appearances.

Before Saturday’s loss to St. Louis, Boone was asked about the possibility of a six-man rotation and responded, “Not necessarily. Again, that’s still days off. I wouldn’t rule out anything. But not committed to anything quite yet.”