Clarke Schmidt DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt took the mound for the first time this season for a matchup against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. It wasn't a great start from Schmidt, but he got the job done. He went 5 2/3 innings, allowing four hits, three earned runs, and striking out two batters in the no-decision. The Yankees didn't push him too hard in this one as Schmidt only threw 73 pitches during this outing. He missed the first few weeks of the season due to a shoulder issue, so it wouldn't be shocking to see the Yankees ease him back into things. His next start will come against the Cleveland Guardians next week. Schmidt isn't a must-have fantasy option, but could help fantasy managers who are lacking talent in the pitching department.

New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) is set to make his season debut on Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals. He is expected to face Kansas City southpaw Kris Bubic. Schmidt has been on the 15-day injured list through the early part of the campaign due to rotator cuff tendinitis. Schmidt has made two appearances with Double-A Somerset and did not allow a run across seven 1/3 innings of work. He has struck out 11 batters and allowed one free pass with four total hits. Last season, Schmidt was limited by injuries as well, but was effective when on the bump. Across 85 1/3 innings of work, Schmidt posted a strong 26.3 percent strikeout rate with a 2.85 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. He is a solid play in all formats on Wednesday against the Royals.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) is expected to rejoin the starting rotation either April 15 or 16. Schmidt has been sidelined through the start of the campaign with rotator cuff tendinitis. However, the right-hander has performed well in his rehab outings and is expected to make his season debut next week. Across seven 1/3 innings of rehab work, Schmidt has not allowed a run and held a stellar 1:11 BB:K. He has also allowed just four hits. Last summer, Schmidt battled injuries as well, but was effective when on the bump. The South Carolina product posted a strong 2.85 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP across 85 1/3 innings of work. He tallied 93 punchouts. When Schmidt returns to the Yankees, he will replace either Carlos Carrasco, Marcus Stroman, or Will Warren in the rotation.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) made what is expected to be his final rehab start on Thursday. The right-hander looked excellent as he tossed four scoreless innings, allowing three hits, and striking out four batters with Double-A Somerset on Thursday. He needed only 61 pitches and was pounding the strike zone during this game. The expectation is that Schmidt is going to be activated from the injured list following this start. He has been out since spring training due to discomfort in his shoulder. Fantasy managers looking for pitching help should check the waiver wire and stash Schmidt if he's available.

New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) is scheduled to make his final minor-league rehab start, barring a setback, on Thursday at either Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre or Double-A Somerset, according to the New York Post's Greg Joyce. Schmidt went 3 1/3 inning in his first rehab start last Saturday with Somerset and punched out seven batters without giving up a run. The 29-year-old will increase his pitch count on Thursday and then should be able to make his 2025 season debut next Tuesday, April 15, against the Kansas City Royals. Schmidt probably could have opened the year in New York's starting rotation, but the Yankees chose to play it safe after he dealt with a minor right-shoulder injury in spring training. If a lat strain hadn't cost him three months in 2024, Schmidt could have had a breakout campaign last year. Pick him up in mixed leagues if he's available on the waiver wire.