Despite a two-game losing streak, the New York Yankees have re-found their groove and are back on top in the American League East.
It’s been an up-and-down season for the Bombers, but things seem to be headed in the right direction with October right around the corner.
One Yankee who can’t wait for the pressurized moments of the playoffs is pitcher Clarke Schmidt.
Schmidt, who has been out of action since May due to a right lat strain, is making significant strides in his recovery.
On Tuesday, the right-hander faced live batters in a 20-pitch session, which he found encouraging. Schmidt is set to repeat the session on Saturday, and a minor league rehab assignment could follow shortly thereafter.
Schmidt is optimistic about his return, telling the New York Daily News that he “one-hundred percent, for sure” envisions himself contributing in crucial games when he’s back on the mound.
“If it was one of those things where I thought, ‘Ok, I know it’s going to be the bullpen,’ then I would probably say, ‘Let’s speed this up a little bit more and just kind of count the starting stuff out,’” Schmidt said.
“But I want to be able to start games in September … I want to start playoff games,” he admitted.
Before his injury, Schmidt was a key part of the Yankees’ rotation, posting an impressive 2.52 ERA over 60.2 innings in 11 starts.
His absence has been felt, as the Yankees’ starting staff has struggled at times during his recovery.
However, with Schmidt on the verge of returning, the team could see a resurgence in their pitching depth just in time for the postseason push.
Currently tied with the Baltimore Orioles for the lead in the AL East, the stretch run of the regular season is going to be quite fascinating.
It’s a unique year in Major League Baseball. While there are certainly strong contenders, there are no real power teams who are taking the bull by the horns.
In other words, the World Series race seems to be as wide open as it’s been in a while.
What do you think of the Yankees chances come October?
Is this the year Aaron Boone and company FINALLY get over the hump and win the organization’s first title since 2009???