Clarke Schmidt Returns as Yankees Face Royals

Clarke Schmidt returns to the New York Yankees' starting rotation on Wednesday night after recovering from rotator cuff tendinitis, offering a much-needed boost to a pitching staff plagued by injuries to key starters like Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil. Schmidt, who posted a 2.85 ERA in 16 starts last season, is expected to help stabilize the rotation, which has struggled with the worst starters ERA in the majors so far this year. His return is significant as the Yankees have largely relied on their offense and bullpen to compensate for shortfalls in starting pitching, and manager Aaron Boone emphasized that the team is counting on Schmidt's contributions. The Yankees will face the Kansas City Royals, who counter with lefty Kris Bubic, boasting a strong 0.96 ERA since returning to the rotation. With key bullpen arms potentially unavailable, New York hopes Schmidt can provide length and quality to ease the relievers’ workload. This game marks a rare positive pitching development for the Yankees early in the season.