Yankees Anticipate Return of Pitchers Clarke Schmidt and Ryan Weathers

The New York Yankees are nearing the return of two key starting pitchers from the injured list, providing a timely boost to the team’s pitching depth.

Clarke Schmidt is scheduled for his fifth rehabilitation appearance on Saturday. If the outing proceeds without issue, it may serve as the final step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The organization hopes Schmidt can be activated in time to join the squad for their upcoming road trip.

“Let’s get through Saturday and we’ll see,” manager Aaron Boone stated Friday before the Yankees’ 6-4 victory over the Mets in the Subway Series opener. “But that’s in play.”

Meanwhile, Ryan Weathers is nearly a week into his throwing program following a two-week shutdown due to a left forearm flexor strain. The left-hander aims to progress to a bullpen session this Monday.

Weathers, who expects to reintroduce his hard slider on flat ground Saturday to complete his full repertoire, is pushing for a swift activation. He hopes to appear in at least a few regular-season games to regain his rhythm before the postseason begins.

“Obviously we’re kind of fighting the clock right now and we’re trying to be smart with it too,” Weathers said. “But everything’s trending in the right direction. … I have no doubt I could throw 40 pitches right now in a game. It’s like, if I just need 20-25, I’d rather use those in a game than burn them in a live [batting practice].”

“I just would like to get an inning back in competition before [the playoffs]. Not that I don’t trust myself in a wild card or division series, but it’s more high-pressure and just [want to] get my feet back under me for an inning.”

In other roster news, José Caballero remained out of the lineup Friday for the second consecutive game. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. sidelined, Boone opted for Anthony Volpe at second base, following Volpe’s call-up from Triple-A on Thursday.

Boone noted that he has discussed the situation with Caballero, who is viewed as a versatile utility asset as the team enters the final stretch of the season.

“Everyone wants to play,” Caballero said. “Everyone wants a chance to be out here and playing. That’s why we have a manager. He’s the one making decisions to play or not. We all, as players, have to take it and be OK with it and try to do the best we can do in the role we got.”

Aaron Judge returned to the lineup Friday, going 1-for-3 with a walk in his third game since returning from a three-month absence due to a right rib stress fracture. When asked if Judge would play all three games against the Mets, Boone replied, “We’ll see.”

Additionally, the Yankees recalled reliever Bradley Hanner, bringing the active roster to 14 pitchers. This move follows the optioning of Jasson Domínguez to Triple-A after Thursday’s game.

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