New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (lat) is scheduled to throw a side session on Saturday, at which point the team will decide if he needs to make another minor-league rehab start. General manager Brian Cashman has said that the Yankees expect Schmidt to be ready during the second week of September. In his two rehab starts, Schmidt has allowed only two runs in 6 2/3 innings with Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He has been on the injured list since May 30. If the Yankees reinstate Schmidt after his throwing session on Saturday, he could be a little limited from a pitch-count perspective in his first start back in the big leagues. The 28-year-old is expected to be used in a starting role when he returns, and he was solid in his first 11 starts this year before getting hurt, going 5-3 with a 2.52 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 67 strikeouts in 60 2/3 innings of work.

New York Yankees right-handed reliever Lou Trivino (elbow) had his minor-league rehab assignment moved from Double-A Somerset to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday. He had five outings for Somerset and allowed just one run on three hits over five innings while walking two and striking out five. Manager Aaron Boone said on Aug. 25 that Trivino's repertoire "continues to improve each time." The skipper also said Trivino was initially "a little slow coming back," but there has been "steady improvement in his stuff and the crispness and the quality." The 32-year-old veteran had Tommy John surgery in May of last year and then had a setback in April due to right-elbow inflammation. Trivino hasn't pitched since 2022, so expecting him to have a big role down the stretch and in the postseason for the Yankees this year isn't realistic.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish (elbow) threw 66 pitches in a controlled minor-league game on Friday evening. Bernie Wilson of the Associated Press reported that the 38-year-old felt well after the session. However, his next steps still have yet to be determined. Darvish has been sidelined since June with elbow inflammation. However, seeing that he is ramping up his pitch count without seeing any setbacks is a great sign. Before the injury, Darvish held a solid 3.20 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, with a 15:53 BB:K ratio across 56 1/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Darvish on an IL spot if they have the room, as he could be nearing a potential return to the major leagues.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (shoulder) threw a light bullpen on Friday, according to MLB.com. The 40-year-old has had a difficult season as he has battled numerous injuries and faced many setbacks. He has made only eight starts this summer to the tune of a 3.89 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. The right-hander was initially scheduled to make a rehab appearance last week at Double-A but was scratched. General manager Chris Young told the media he did not have a "great update" on Scherzer's status. He further said, "I know he's frustrated and wishes he was out here pitching. I feel his pain, but we have to make sure we get him right and do it in a way that is responsible, not only to him but to the team." Fantasy managers should not expect the three-time Cy Young winner back on the major league mound anytime soon and should feel comfortable leaving him on the waiver wire for the time being.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (elbow) is set to start for Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday, Sept. 1, and throw around 45 pitches, according to manager Bruce Bochy. deGrom has slowly begun working his way back from Tommy John surgery and is approaching his return to the majors. The right-hander logged a two-inning start at Triple-A last week, where he did not allow any baserunners and struck out two. He previously got the starting nod at Double-A for a similar two-inning stint on August 22. Bochy expressed that if his next outing goes well, he will head back to Double-A on September 7 to continue to ramp up. Fantasy managers could expect deGrom to return to the major leagues sometime the following week. The two-time Cy Young winner is worth holding onto as he could be a viable starter down the stretch as he posted a strong 2.67 ERA and 0.76 WHIP through his first stint with Texas last season.