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On Thursday, the New York Yankees announced that right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt had been placed on the 15-day IL. Schmidt is currently dealing with a right lat strain.
The move is retroactive to May 27, and will be a huge blow for the club. With Schmidt down, the club recalled right-handed pitcher Cody Morris from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Schmidt has pitched well this season for the Yanks with Gerrit Cole still trying to work his way off the IL. He started 11 games, compiling a 5-3 record with a 2.52 ERA on 60.2 innings of work.
For Morris, he has done well in the minors, but his stint with the club likely will not last long. He has gone 3-0 with a 2.82 ERA over the course of 13 outings.
"Always one step forward three steps backwards with this team" - one fan posted.
"We can never have an injury free season" - another fan posted.
"So it begins" - posted another.
This was the last thing Yankees fans wanted to see. Clarke Schmidt has really stepped it up this season and has been an arm the team could rely on.
"Please don't be out long Clarke" - said another fan.
"Cole we need you" - said another.
"Here we go again" - said another.
Fans are hoping Clarke can push through his injury and return to the mound soon. They will need him in the rotation if they want to keep the lead in the American League East.
While Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt goes to the IL, a star is ready to come off it
While news of Clarke Schmidt heading to the IL is not the greatest, fans should find comfort in Gerrit Cole nearing his minor league rehab assignment. His agent, Scott Boras, told reporters that Cole could start throwing in the minors as early as next week.
That would be huge for the Yankees rotation. They have pitched well without him but it will be a whole new rotation once he emerges. Going into Thursday, the Bronx Bombers hold the best ERA in the league at 2.76. The next closest team to them is the Philadelphia Phillies who hold a 3.08 ERA.
Opposing teams are going to want to watch out for this club when their ace returns from injury. He will be out for blood after securing his first AL Cy Young Award last season.
