Yankees Host Royals with Schmidt Returning from Injury

The New York Yankees have been contending with significant injuries to their pitching rotation, making Clarke Schmidt's return from a shoulder injury a pivotal moment for the team as they face the Kansas City Royals. Schmidt, who had a strong showing last season, is expected to play a crucial role given recent struggles by other Yankees starters and ongoing uncertainty in the rotation. In their last meeting, the Yankees rallied late to secure a 4-2 win over the Royals after a bases-loaded walk and a key double from Jasson Dominguez, demonstrating the Royals' continued difficulties with late-inning pitching and offensive production. The Royals, now 8-10, have struggled to score runs consistently, having surpassed four runs only twice this season, and their bullpen's control issues were evident in the recent loss. Meanwhile, the Yankees' resilience has helped them overcome both injuries and in-game deficits, keeping them competitive in the early season matchup against Kansas City.