The New York Yankees have been experiencing a string of bad luck with their starting rotation. After pitcher Clarke Schmidt was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right lat strain, the team’s best ERA in the American League could be put at risk. Schmidt’s IL stint is retroactive to May 27, so he may return on June 11 depending on the severity of his injury.
Schmidt has had a great season so far, with a 2.52 ERA in 11 starts, and striking out 67 batters in 60 1/3 innings. His last start was against the San Diego Padres, where he allowed one earned run in five innings. However, Schmidt’s success is part of a record streak by Yankees starters, who have pitched 16 consecutive starts of at least five innings while allowing two runs or fewer.
The Yankees were already facing challenges this season with Gerrit Cole sidelined due to elbow inflammation during spring training. Cole hopes to rejoin the team in June after recent throwing sessions. With Schmidt’s injury, the Yankees may have to make decisions about their rotation, potentially considering a six-man staff in the short term.
To fill Schmidt’s spot on the roster, reliever Cody Morris was called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Morris joined the Yankees this season after playing in the Cleveland Guardians organization for six years. In his time with the Yanks, Morris has been impressive with a 2.82 ERA in 13 appearances, striking out 32 batters and walking just as many in 22 1/3 innings.
