Yankees' Latest Injury Update Finally Contains Encouraging News

Instead of making his start, Schmidt threw a 24-pitch bullpen session at the Yankees’ spring training complex under the watchful eyes of pitching coach Matt Blake and trainers. He told reporters he felt good afterward and is on track for his first scheduled regular season start on April 3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"I wouldn't be throwing if there was a concern of something major," Schmidt told Greg Joyce of the New York Post.

The real test, however, will be how he recovers in the coming days. For now, though, the Yankees can hold off on pushing the panic button again.

Schmidt, 29, had already been delayed earlier in camp due to back soreness, and he has battled injuries throughout most of his career. So when he was pushed back again this week, it raised eyebrows. The Yankees can't afford another injury in the rotation, not with Gerrit Cole out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and Luis Gil sidelined for at least three months with a lat strain.

With Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Marcus Stroman locked into the rotation, Schmidt is expected to start the sixth game of the season. The Yankees are still deciding between veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco and prospect Will Warren for the final rotation spot.

Schmidt is coming off a solid 2024 season, posting a 2.85 ERA over 16 starts before injuries limited him in the second half. The Yankees need him to step up in a bigger role this year and stay off the injured list. Monday was at least a step in that direction.