DUNEDIN, Fla. — Clark Schmidt and Will Warren: A Shared Journey

Just two years ago, Clark Schmidt was a right-handed pitcher establishing his place in the big leagues after a season of over 30 starts. He faced challenges but came to spring training the following year with a newfound sense of confidence—experience and knowledge under his belt.

“Honestly, I think it’s a comfortable level,” Warren said after a recent outing where he allowed just one run and struck out four in the Yankees’ win over the Blue Jays. “With 33 starts and around 170 innings pitched, it feels manageable.”

While Schmidt and Warren have different pitching styles, it’s quite likely the Yankees will retain Schmidt first, assuming he recovers from the injury that sidelined him early in the 2024 season. For Warren to follow that path, he’ll need to improve on the key areas that led to his 4.44 ERA last season, especially his struggles against left-handed hitters.

In fact, both pitchers have similar challenges. Schmidt emphasized that he doesn’t truly feel like he belongs in the league until he’s had a few years under his belt, finding validation in consistent performance. On the other hand, Warren is aware of the need to tackle his own issues, particularly how he got injured during critical game moments last season.

“Be Will Warren. Will Warren is good enough to kick people out,” he mentioned, clearly grasping the importance of his identity as a pitcher.

This spring, the priority for Warren is staying healthy as he aims to secure his spot in the Yankees’ rotation, which already includes seasoned names like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon. Coming off a heavier workload last season, he’s aiming to build on the momentum amassed through rest and recovery.

To change his approach on the mound, Warren has shifted his position on the rubber—moving slightly from the first base side to the third. This adjustment is intended to enhance his effectiveness against both right and left-handed batters, allowing for better angles of attack.

“I think that helped improve our angle of attack,” he explained, noting that comfort plays a vital role in his game. Aiming to keep left-handed hitters unsure, he’s focusing on being aggressive and varied in pitch selection.

In a recent game, even with three left-handed batters in the lineup, Warren managed to retire them in quick order, demonstrating his growing confidence. Schmidt noted some parallels between their journeys: both are working on refining their left-handed pitching skills and tightening their control.

Warren often finds success, allowing three or fewer earned runs in 24 of his starts but acknowledges the need for improvement, especially in the opening innings where he’s faltered against teams like the Dodgers and Red Sox. “We’ve got to execute better,” manager Aaron Boone pointed out. It’s all about finding that balance between aggression and composure, a challenge every pitcher faces, particularly those starting games.