GREAT NEWS: The Yankees has added some crucial reinforcements ahead of Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs.
The New York Yankees bolstered their pitching staff before of Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs.
Just a day after standout rookie Luis Gil made his comeback from the disabled list in a spectacular fashion, the Yankees activated starter Clark Schmidt and reliever Ian Hamilton from the 60-day injured list.
Schmidt will start against the Cubs on Saturday afternoon as the Yankees seek to secure the series victory.
Schmidt’s return has been long-awaited and greatly needed. Schmidt, who was in the midst of a breakout season, has been out since the end of May due to a lat muscle strain.
Schmidt had a 5-3 record across 11 starts and 60.2 innings pitched, with a 2.52 ERA, 67 strikeouts, 20 walks, and a 1.14 WHIP.
He may have been pitching somewhat beyond expectations, but it was reassuring to see that he can go on such a run for the Yankees. They could definitely use that kind of consistent production in the last month of the season.
At the time of his injury, the Yankees’ starting rotation was in the midst of an incredible run. Since then, the unit has become a big liability.
Until June 1, the Yankees’ starters had a 2.71 ERA, the second-best in MLB. Since then, the team’s 4.84 ERA is the fifth-worst in baseball and the second-worst in the American League.
Hamilton has been out with his own lat strain since the middle of June. Following a breakout season in 2023, Hamilton struggled to maintain the same level of consistency this season.
Before his injury, Hamilton had a 4.55 ERA in 29.2 innings thrown across 27 games, with 30 strikeouts, 14 walks, and a 1.584 WHIP.
In simultaneous actions, the Yankees designated right-handed pitchers Phil Bickford and Nick Burdi for assignment.