Yankees Face Rotation Challenges as Clarke Schmidt Likely to Start Season on Injured List

Injuries to key pitchers, including Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, have forced the Yankees to rely on new faces and consider trade options ahead of Opening Day.

Clarke Schmidt, recovering from shoulder fatigue, is expected to miss Opening Day due to insufficient pitch count buildup despite reporting feeling healthy after a recent live batting practice session.
Gerrit Cole is out for the season following Tommy John surgery, and Luis Gil is sidelined for at least three months with a high-grade lat strain, weakening the Yankees' rotation significantly.
Carlos Carrasco and rookie Will Warren have performed strongly in spring training and are likely to join Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, and Marcus Stroman in the Opening Day rotation.
The Yankees are exploring a potential trade for Jordan Montgomery to address their rotation depth, though no deal has been finalized.
Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the importance of Clarke Schmidt to the team's rotation and long-term success, underscoring the need to ensure his full recovery.