Clarke Schmidt Dealing With "Cranky Back"
1 day agoNew York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (back) is dealing with a "cranky back" in spring training, according to manager Aaron Boone, who also said he doesn't think Schmidt's back injury is a significant issue. Schmidt was able to throw an "aggressive" flat-ground session in camp on Wednesday. It's still very early in spring training, but the 28-year-old could be held back from pitching in Grapefruit League games initially. As long as Schmidt is able to get throw a bullpen session on Friday, he could put his cranky back behind him sooner than later. He had an impressive 2024 campaign for the Yankees but also missed three months with a strained right lat. The former first-rounder did well to limit hard contact in his 16 starts (85 1/3 innings) in 2024, going 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA and 1.18 WHIP while fanning 93. If he can stay healthy in 2025, Schmidt could easily outperform his No. 70 ranking as a starting pitcher at RotoBaller.
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch