Former South Carolina standout and now New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt was off to one of the best starts among American League pitchers before suffering a right lat strain two months into the 2024 season. Since lat injuries are slow to heal for pitchers, Schmidt has spent over three months on the injured list. However, according to reports, including one from *The Athletic’s* Chris Kirschner, Schmidt is set to return to the Yankees’ rotation this weekend as they face the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Schmidt will take the mound on Saturday, aiming to continue his strong form from before the injury, where he consistently allowed three runs or fewer in each of his starts. His performances have kept the Yankees competitive, with the team going 10-3 in those outings. Schmidt hopes to help the Yankees make a final push in the American League East, where they currently trail the Orioles by half a game, while also leading the AL Wild Card race.
Despite the Yankees’ regular playoff appearances, Schmidt has yet to start in the postseason. He has made three relief appearances, but if his return goes as planned, he’s expected to be a key part of the starting rotation this time around.
For South Carolina fans looking to watch, Schmidt’s return will be broadcast on YES Network and MLBTV at 2:20 PM ET on Saturday.
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