Clarke Schmidt DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (back) threw a two-up bullpen session on Tuesday at camp and expects to throw live batting practice by this weekend, according to the New York Post's Greg Joyce. Schmidt is behind in spring training due to a minor back injury. However, as long as he doesn't suffer a setback this weekend, he could be cleared to make his Grapefruit League debut sooner than later. There's still time for the 29-year-old to get ready for Opening Day in late March. If healthy, Schmidt will surely be part of New York's Opening Day starting rotation. The former first-rounder missed three months last year with a right-lat strain, but he was impressive when he was available, going 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 93 strikeouts in 85 1/3 innings over 16 starts. If he can stay healthy in 2025, Schmidt has the ability to take the next step for fantasy managers.

New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (back) said that he is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday and expects to be pitching in games soon. Despite dealing with a cranky back in spring training, Schmidt has no concerns about being ready for Opening Day in late March. Schmidt also missed three months of the 2024 season due to a strained right lat, so his durability is certainly in question despite pitching well when he was available to the Yankees last year. The 29-year-old has breakout potential if he can stay healthy for all of 2025 after going 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA (3.58 FIP) and 1.18 WHIP with 93 strikeouts and 30 walks in 85 1/3 innings over his 16 starts a year ago. His 26.3% strikeout rate was the highest of his career, and he also induced plenty of weak contact thanks to the addition of a cut fastball. Schmidt is a fine late-round value pick in upcoming fantasy drafts as long as he's ready for Opening Day.

New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (back) is dealing with a "cranky back" in spring training, according to manager Aaron Boone, who also said he doesn't think Schmidt's back injury is a significant issue. Schmidt was able to throw an "aggressive" flat-ground session in camp on Wednesday. It's still very early in spring training, but the 28-year-old could be held back from pitching in Grapefruit League games initially. As long as Schmidt is able to get throw a bullpen session on Friday, he could put his cranky back behind him sooner than later. He had an impressive 2024 campaign for the Yankees but also missed three months with a strained right lat. The former first-rounder did well to limit hard contact in his 16 starts (85 1/3 innings) in 2024, going 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA and 1.18 WHIP while fanning 93. If he can stay healthy in 2025, Schmidt could easily outperform his No. 70 ranking as a starting pitcher at RotoBaller.