VIDEO: Clarke Schmidt's Nasty Curveball Makes Him Look Like a Viable Fifth Starter for Yankees
By Scott Rogust
The New York Yankees have a bit of a dilemma when it comes to their starting pitching rotation. James Paxton is out for a couple of months due to back surgery, while Luis Severino is out for the entire season, and some, due to a looming Tommy John procedure. Many are calling for the Yankees to make a trade just before the start of the regular season, but those fans may just want to slow their roll. Why? Yankees pitching prospect Clarke Schmidt just made a very real claim for the fifth spot in the rotation, dicing up Tampa Bay Rays hitters with a picture perfect curveball.
A pair of Clarke Schmidt power-curveballs pic.twitter.com/vGVxZOAqt1
— Lucas Apostoleris (@DBITLefty) February 27, 2020
Filthy stuff from the prospect.
Schmidt has garnered rave reviews from those within the organization, specifically from general manager Brian Cashman. What separates him from the pack, including fellow top pitching prospect Deivi Garcia, is his four-pitch mix, which makes him an obvious future starter. Based on Thursday's performance, his curveball looks like it is coming along nicely.
Clarke Schmidt in his 2nd spring game of the season.
— Bronx Bombers (@yankeesguy93) February 27, 2020
2 IP, 2 H, 3 K’s.
His stuff is absolutely nasty. I could 100% see him making a solid contribution to this rotation in 2020.
Currently heralded as the No. 5 prospect in New York's farm, Schmidt logged a 3.47 ERA across three minor-league levels in 2019, striking out 102 batters over 90.2 innings of work. Considering the injuries plaguing the Yankees' rotation, it could prove a great time to give Schmidt a chance.