Clarke Schmidt takes key step in injury recovery as he gets closer to Yankees return

Clarke Schmidt took the mound for game one of three at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, though his was simulated.

After another encouraging sim game, Schmidt reiterated that he believes he can be ready to join the club before August is over.

“I would say [a return] by the end of the month I think is very realistic,” Schmidt said before a doubleheader against the Rangers and after throwing 25 pitches and his entire arsenal in his second live session.

Up next is another live session on Wednesday, after which the team will huddle to decide whether a third is best or if Schmidt should begin a rehab assignment.

Gerrit Cole needed just three rehab games, building up to 68 pitches, before he was brought back to the majors and allowed to lengthen himself at the highest level.

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Schmidt expressed hope that he could follow a similar path and mentioned two or three rehab games before he hopes he can become an option.

“We’ll see,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I think [Schmidt is] on pace to be at that kind of 50-ish pitch mark probably by the end of the month. So, we’ll see.”

Plenty will depend upon the status of the Yankees’ rotation, which currently could use as much help as it can get.

Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes have tumbled in the past month, perhaps tiring in a long season.

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Luis Gil, while pitching well, is dealing with an innings count that he has never experienced before.

When Schmidt went down on May 26 with a lat strain that sidetracked a season that was shaping up to be his best, there appeared little urgency for a rolling rotation.

That has changed, and especially after a trade deadline in which the Yankees did not bring in a starter, Schmidt’s importance is significant.

Saturday, Schmidt was happy with his strength and pitches while facing Anthony Rizzo, Jon Berti and Jose Trevino.

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“I could throw in a game with that stuff and be very happy with it,” said Schmidt, who owned a 2.52 ERA in 11 games before the injury .

In his fifth major league season, Schmidt hoped he had turned a corner and said he was happiest with his improvement in command.

He walked 20 and struck out 67 in 60 ⅔ innings, results that a floundering Yankees rotation could use.

“He’s taken another step forward this year,” Boone said. “I think he was pitching like one of the top 10 or 15 pitchers in the league before he went down.

“I think he’s just got a better grip of his arsenal, more weapons, more ways especially with left-handed hitters to neutralize them a little bit. And then just the experience and the confidence that goes with that. He’s turned into a really good pitcher.”

— Additional reporting by Joel Sherman

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