The New York Yankees received encouraging news on two key starting pitchers Sunday as manager Aaron Boone shared updates on Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt ahead of the club's series finale.
Rodón has officially begun his rehab assignment while Schmidt continues progressing through his throwing program, giving the Yankees hope that both starters could bolster the rotation during the stretch run.
Yankees beat writer Gary Phillips shared Boone's comments on X following the manager's pregame media session.
Boone said Rodón is expected to make at least one more rehab start before returning to the major league rotation. The left-hander threw 50 pitches Saturday in his first rehab outing with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after being sidelined with left elbow inflammation.
Schmidt also continues moving in the right direction after his recent live batting practice session ended early because of forearm cramping. Boone said the right-hander has resumed playing catch and is expected to get back on a mound within the next few days if everything continues to progress as planned.
Rodón was enjoying a strong season before landing on the injured list on June 30. Through nine starts, the veteran left-hander compiled a 4-2 record with a 3.30 ERA, 52 strikeouts and a 1.25 WHIP across 46.1 innings. Building his pitch count remains the final hurdle before his return to New York's rotation.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Schmidt remains on a monitored recovery plan following elbow treatment, and the Yankees continue to take a cautious approach with his workload. Sunday's update suggests the club avoided another setback after his forearm tightened during live batting practice.
The Yankees entered Sunday at 66-51, trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by 4.5 games in the American League East while holding the top American League Wild Card position. Returning both Rodón and Schmidt before the final weeks of the regular season would provide a significant boost to New York's playoff push.
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