Clarke Schmidt DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) is scheduled to return from the injured list to make his 2025 season debut on either Tuesday, April 15, or Wednesday, April 16, against the visiting Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium, according to manager Aaron Boone. Schmidt opened the regular season on the IL due to rotator-cuff tendonitis, and he was able to throw 46 pitches during a simulated game on Monday. The 29-year-old will throw again on Saturday as he continues to build up in advance of his regular-season debut. When Schmidt rejoins the Yankees' starting rotation, it will most likely be either youngster Will Warren or veteran Carlos Carrasco who will be booted from the rotation to make room for Schmidt. Before missing three months in 2024 with a lat strain, Schmidt was on the verge of a breakout season, making him worth watching if he's on your league's waiver wire.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) completed a three-inning simulated game on Monday. Schmidt is set to throw again on Saturday. The 29-year-old opened the regular season on the 15-day injured list due to rotator cuff tendinitis. However, Schmidt appears to be increasing his workload and has yet to face any significant setbacks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression as he could embark on a rehab assignment soon, as he was initially targeting a return to the big leagues at the end of April. Last season, Schmidt logged 85 1/3 innings and held a solid 2.85 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP. He tallied strikeouts at a 26.3 percent rate but held a modest 8.5 percent walk rate. When he is cleared to return, Will Warren will likely shift to a bullpen role or move back to Triple-A to continue his development.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) is targeting a return "in the middle of the month." The Yankees placed Schmidt on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday due to rotator cuff tendinitis. However, it appears Schmidt will not be sidelined for long. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he may only miss a few turns in the rotation. While he is sidelined, Will Warren and Carlos Carrasco will see starting opportunities. Schmidt is eligible to come off the injured list on April 8. Last season, the South Carolina product posted a 2.85 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP. He tallied 93 punchouts across 85 1/3 innings while holding a modest 8.5 percent walk rate. He also generated an impressive 5.9 percent barrel rate and a .225 xBA. He is worth holding in an IL spot on your roster as he carries decent strikeout upside when he returns to action.