As per the latest reports, Clarke Schmidt is the most likely candidate to replace Frankie Montas as the first starter in the pitching rotation for the New York Yankees.
New York Yankees’ bullpen is getting shorter with each passing day. The injuries are creeping in at an alarming rate. On top of that, the Yankees’ critical front, the defense, is getting beaten up the most. The Yanks starting pitcher for the 2023 MLB season, Frankie Montas’ shoulder injury, has apparently been aggravated, and the pitcher has to undergo surgery in the coming week.
Furthermore, Nestor Cortes has pulled up a hamstring and is set to miss the upcoming WBC 2023. However, the pitcher is likely to recover in time for the 2023 MLB opening day. Still, the starting rotation is missing a piece, as Montas has been ruled out indefinitely. Further, Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt are the front runners to replace the pitcher as a fifth starter.
Reasons Why The Yankees Should Chose Clarke Schmidt Over Domingo German As A Fifth Starter
With the regular pitchers out of action, the focus now shifts to replacements. As the New York Yankees front office is unwilling to go for a trade, the existing bullpen will have to step up. So far, Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt have emerged as the most probable candidates for replacement. Since Cortes is expected to return within the set time frame, there is only a spot for one. Here’s why Clarke is a much better option than German as a fifth starter.
In Clarke’s three seasons in the minors, he has compiled a 3.18 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 10.4 K/9 in 167 innings pitched. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and he also possesses a sharp slider. These stats are much better compared to German. However, Clarke’s fitness could be a point of concern as his last two seasons were cut short due to injuries. Further, German beats Clarke on the experience front. Hence, the front office might consider German. However, keeping Schmidt’s age and strong arm in consideration, the Yanks should keep the 26-year-old as the fifth starter in the rotation.
Nestor Cortes Shows Positive Signs Of Recovery
While the Frankie Montas situation is being handled, Nestor Cortes‘ latest injury developments could ease the front office’s pain for once. According to MLB insider Bryan Hoch, Cortes’ hamstring is healing at a faster pace than previously anticipated. He reportedly did 24 pitches from the bullpen mound and ran at 70-75% of capacity. Hence, the pitcher has a high chance of returning within the time frame of opening day.
Earlier today, another injury update emerged from the New York Yankees camp. MLB reporter Bryan Hoch, who is stationed outside the Yankees camp in Florida, reported the Yanks’ top prospect, Austin Wells, has been diagnosed with bruises on his ribs and hence has been asked to stay out of all baseball activities for the time being. However, he is likely to return next week as the injury is minor, per early assessments.