The New York Yankees' historic rotation will be without one of its best players for the foreseeable future.
On Thursday, the Yankees placed right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt on the 15-day injured list with a right lat strain. However, he's going to be out significantly longer than the minimum two weeks.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke to reporters ahead of the team's series finale against the Los Angeles Angeles on Thursday, and said Schmidt won't throw for 4-6 weeks. Schmidt had an MRI on Wednesday, saw Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Thursday, and they determined "it's going to be a while" until Schmidt returns to the mound. Obviously, if Clarke isn't throwing for 4-6 weeks, it's going to be significantly longer until he's back with the ball club.
This is a huge blow for the Yankees and their dominant rotation. The Yankees are in the midst of MLB history with 16 consecutive starts of five or more innings while allowing two or fewer runs. This streak began back on May 12 and has continued through Wednesday night's 2-1 win over the Angels.
Schmidt has made three dominant starts over the last few weeks, which have contributed to a breakout year for the 28-year-old out of Acworth, Georgia.
The former first-round pick in 2017 has made 11 starts this season and has a 2.52 ERA, which is top 10 in the American League among qualified pitchers.
However, he'll now miss a good chunk of the season and will be replaced by right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet for now, according to Boone.
There may be a new replacement on the horizon, though...
Yankees Manager Aaron Boone Provides Huge Update on Gerrit Cole
While the Clark injury is tough news for the Yankees and their rotation, Boone did have an exciting update on the status of right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole.
Cole, who hasn't pitched this season due to elbow discomfort, has been nearing a return and could make a rehab assignment as soon as this coming week, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.
Cole will likely need multiple rehab starts before he's able to return, but this puts him in line to return sometime in June, which has been the hope all along.
Cole made an appearance at Yankee Stadium last week in which he threw a 20-pitch live batting practice session, and came out of it feeling great. The next step will be a few rehab assignments, and then the reigning American League Cy Young award winner will be able to return to the Yankees.
