Mar 15, 2022; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake (67) looks on during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Yankees’ right-hander primed to serve important bullpen role in the playoffs
With the New York Yankees having officially clinched their spot in the postseason, the focus has begun to shift toward what their roster setup will look like as they try to end the the 15-year title drought. The pitching staff will be one of the areas that will see some movement, as they have several options they can go to that can lead the charge throughout the playoffs.
Clarke Schmidt could pitch out of the bullpen for the Yankees in the postseason
Recently returned starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt could be one of those guys who makes the move to the bullpen for the postseason. Schmidt came back from a lat strain at the beginning after missing three months. Prior to the injury, he was one of the Yankees’ best-starting pitchers through the first two months, but the lengthy absence as well as the deep rotation following Gerrit Cole’s return are factors in moving Schmidt to the pen.
Schmidt made his third start since coming off the IL Thursday against the Seattle Mariners. He threw five innings allowing one earned run, six hits, three walks, and seven strikeouts. He settled down after a rocky first inning that was exacerbated by poor Yankees’ defense.
