Yankees’ Bullpen Strengthening with Injured Starters
Two key pitchers are nearing a return from the injured list, which could bolster the Yankees’ bullpen as they approach the playoffs.
Clarke Schmidt is set to make his fifth rehab appearance on Saturday. If all goes well, this could be his final step towards rejoining the Yankees after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The plan is for him to link up with the team on their upcoming road trip.
“Let’s see how Saturday goes,” said manager Aaron Boone ahead of the Yankees’ 6-4 victory over the Mets in the Subway Series opener. “But that’s definitely a possibility.”
In a different situation, Ryan Weathers is almost a week into his throwing program following a two-week break due to a left forearm flexor strain. He hopes to transition to a bullpen session come Monday.
The left-hander plans to start throwing his slider on flat ground Saturday—his goal is to be ready for activation as soon as possible. Ideally, he would like to pitch in at least a couple of regular-season games before the playoffs kick off.
“I feel like we’re racing against time, but we’re also trying to be smart about it,” Weathers mentioned. “Everything seems to be moving in the right direction. I’m confident I could throw 40 pitches in a game right now; if I only need 20 or 25, I’d rather do that in a game than waste them in a practice situation.”
“I really just want to get one inning in a competitive setting before the playoffs. It’s not that I don’t trust myself in high-pressure situations during the Wild Card or Division Series, but getting my bearings in a game would be helpful.”
Over at second base, José Caballero found himself out of the lineup for a second consecutive game against the Mets. Boone opted for Anthony Volpe, who was recently called up after proving himself at Triple-A, especially with Jazz Chisholm Jr. sidelined due to injury.
Boone has already discussed the situation with Caballero, who’s valued as a versatile bench player, as tensions rise near the playoffs.
“Everyone wants to be in the game,” Caballero expressed. “That’s why we depend on the manager to make the calls. As players, we have to accept our roles and do the best we can with them.”
After enjoying a day off, Aaron Judge returned to the lineup Friday, going 1-for-3 with a walk in his third game back from a right rib stress fracture that sidelined him for three months. Boone was non-committal when asked if Judge would be available for all three games against the Mets.
The Yankees also recalled reliever Bradley Hanner, completing their roster of 14 pitchers after previously playing with an extra positional player, Jasson Domínguez, who was sent back to Triple-A following Thursday’s game.
