As the July 30 trade deadline nears, the New York Yankees are considering adding a starting pitcher to their roster. However, they also anticipate the return of key players from the injured list, which could bolster their pitching staff significantly in the coming weeks.
Yankees Eye Starting Pitching Reinforcements as Trade Deadline Approaches
Among the expected returns, starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt is preparing to take a significant step in his recovery process. After sustaining a lat strain, Schmidt is slated to throw his first bullpen session this weekend—a critical phase in his rehabilitation. The Yankees are optimistic about his progress and expect him to be fully built up by the end of the regular season in September.
Schmidt’s Impressive Season Pre-Injury
Prior to his injury, Schmidt was delivering an outstanding performance. Over 60.2 innings, he maintained a 2.52 ERA, averaged 9.94 strikeouts per nine innings, and achieved an 84.1% left-on-base rate. His efforts contributed to a stellar 1.1 WAR, putting him on track to surpass his career high of 1.8 from the previous year.
Schmidt excelled in utilizing a diverse pitching arsenal, including a cutter, sweeper, sinker, and knuckle curve. His cutter, which was his primary strikeout pitch, accounted for 27 strikeouts with a 32.5% whiff rate and a .256 batting average against. His sweeper proved even more effective, yielding a .196 batting average and a 31.9% whiff rate.
The Return of Cody Poteet to the Bullpen
In addition to Schmidt, the Yankees are also awaiting the return of Cody Poteet, who is currently recovering from a triceps injury. Although Poteet has not yet resumed throwing off the mound, his pre-injury performance, with a 2.14 ERA over 21 innings, positions him as a potential catalyst for the bullpen upon his return.
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Strategic Decisions for the Yankees’ Pitching Staff
When Schmidt is ready to return to full duty, the Yankees will face strategic decisions regarding his role. He could either rejoin the starting rotation or contribute from the bullpen, depending on the team’s needs and the outcome of potential trades at the deadline. His return, along with Poteet’s, could provide a significant boost to the Yankees’ pitching capabilities as they gear up for a postseason push.