The Yankees are still the greatest team in the American League despite their season-long string of injuries. This implies that those guys will be even better prepared to win the AL East when they do return.
For the Yanks in particular, their beginning pitching has been missing lately. The rest of the rotation hasn’t really filled in for Gerrit Cole, who hasn’t been his typical self. Fortunately, Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil are about to return to the mound.
A number of injured Yankees will make a September return, revamping the rotation
Even if one or both of these young pitchers are assigned to different roles, the Yankees will benefit greatly from their return. Schmidt has already made two minor league rehab starts while recuperating from a lat strain that he suffered in May. The organization is being extremely cautious with their young right-hander, and they might keep Schmidt out of the field for a little while longer even though he might be ready to be back on the mound. Gil, on the other hand, is recovering from a back issue that required a 15-day hospital stay earlier this month. The AL Rookie of the Year contender is anticipated to make another rehab start on Sunday after having already made one.
Given that rosters are filling up for September, both pitchers will probably have stringent pitch restrictions, which will allow the Yankees to have a bit more flexibility with their bullpen. Reintroducing these two youthful pitchers into the rotation will be essential to New York’s postseason hopes, though.
Rizzo Is Back in Action
Anthony Rizzo’s situation was already dire after he broke his arm on June 18. Apart from Rizzo’s apparent struggles at the plate, and the Yankees’ option at the end of the season, it seemed like this might have been Rizzo’s last game in pinstripes.
Thankfully for Rizzo and the Yankees, his recuperation progressed swiftly. He’s already spent some time in the minors, so he might be going back to the Bronx soon. He comes back at a favorable moment as well—first base hasn’t exactly been the Yanks’ strongest position this season. Even though Rizzo is getting older, his hitting doesn’t hurt the Yankees lineup—rather, it strengthens them.
Solace for the Bullpen
The Yankees have a wealth of relievers in the bullpen, even though they aren’t as well-known as Rizzo, Schmidt, or Gil. Since July, Ron Marinaccio and Scott Effross have been stewing in Triple-A. Effross and Marinaccio might both be called up when rosters open on Sunday, which would significantly strengthen the “pen.” Both Nick Burdi and Ian Hamilton are recovering. The Yankees will have plenty of depth heading into the postseason drive if they are able to make a comeback at some point in September.
It appears that the already competitive Yankees will get better with a team that will only get healthier.
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