RHP Clarke Schmidt and Ian Hamilton have been activated off the 60-day injured list by the Yankees, who have announced that they have completed their rehab assignments.
Schmidt hasn’t played since May due to a right lat injury. Hamilton is also making a comeback from a lower back ailment.
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He hasn’t played since June. RHP Phil Bickford and Nick Burdi have also been designated for assignment in a corresponding move. As September draws to a close, both returning pitchers—especially Schmidt—may play significant roles for New York.
Two Yankee Pitchers Are Back After A 60-Day Absence
Success in the Early Season
The 28-year-old Schmidt was one of the Yankees’ finest starters prior to suffering an injury in May. He has a 5-3 record in 11 starts, a 2.52 ERA, and 67 strikeouts in 60 2/3 innings thrown. Schmidt may find himself in the rotation come postseason play if he can continue to build on his early-season performance.
Conversely, Hamilton has not become any better in his second season in the pinstripes. He has pitched 29 2/3 innings with a 4.55 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 27 appearances. But if he can replicate his 2.64 ERA and 69 strikeouts from the previous season, he might be a very useful option out of the bullpen.
DFA’d Two Relievers
Relievers Phil Bickford and Nick Burdi, who haven’t made much of an impression out of the bullpen this season, will be replaced by Schmidt and Hamilton. It is noteworthy, though, that in his scant 9 2/3 innings of work, Burdi has struck out 12 and posted a 1.86 ERA. If any other Yankee relievers are hurt, he might be a good option out of Triple-A.
Next Steps
Schmidt will start for the first time since his return on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field against the Cubs. The Yankees are hoping to win their first series since defeating the Rockies at home in late August, and they will likely witness a pitcher’s battle between him and Javier Assad, who has been a stronger member of Chicago’s rotation.
