After tossing four shutout innings for Double-A Somerset on Thursday night, Clarke Schmidt is expected to rejoin the Yankees’ starting rotation next week. He looked sharp, giving up just three hits, striking out four, and throwing 61 pitches—45 of them for strikes. It was the performance the Yankees were hoping for.
Now, the challenge is figuring out who to move. According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, rookie right-hander Will Warren is likely the one to be sent down. Although Warren has shown promise, he still has minor-league options, which makes the decision easier. Carlos Carrasco, though struggling, has veteran status and can refuse a demotion—something he’s expected to do. For now, the Yankees seem to favor experience and stability.
The choice isn’t purely about who’s pitching better. With Gerrit Cole out for the year after Tommy John surgery and Luis Gil sidelined with a lat strain for at least a few more months, the Yankees are trying to conserve pitching depth wherever they can. While Warren may have more long-term upside, holding onto Carrasco gives them short-term security.
Things could shift again once Gil returns—he’s reportedly ahead of schedule, but still not expected back until late April or early May. In the meantime, the Yankees are piecing together their rotation, hoping GM Brian Cashman can add reinforcements. Schmidt’s return is a step in the right direction, and the team is also keeping tabs on rising prospects like Cam Schlittler, who could be an option later in the summer.
