Clarke Schmidt Set to Rejoin Yankees Rotation

New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt is nearing a return to the major league rotation after completing a successful second rehab start. Schmidt, recovering from right shoulder tendinitis, pitched four scoreless innings with four strikeouts for Double-A Somerset and is expected to rejoin the Yankees next week. The Yankees have been struggling with their starting rotation due to injuries, including the absence of ace Gerrit Cole, who is out for the season. Max Fried has stepped up with a strong performance, but other fill-ins like Marcus Stroman and Carlos Carrasco have been inconsistent. The likely roster move will involve sending rookie Will Warren back to the minors to make room for Schmidt. Manager Aaron Boone is optimistic about Schmidt's return, targeting April 15 or 16 for his reintegration into the lineup against Kansas City.