The New York Yankees received a double dose of news on Saturday, June 1st, 2024. First, the long-awaited return of their ace, Gerrit Cole, is finally on the horizon. Now, it has been announced today by Manager Aaron Boone to reporter Bryan Hoch that, after a successful 43-pitch simulated game, Cole is all set to begin his rehab assignment on Tuesday with the Double-A Somerset Patriots. The reigning AL Cy Young winner has been sidelined since spring training with right elbow inflammation, but his recovery is progressing smoothly, and the Yankees are hopeful for a June return.

“All signs are pointing toward the reigning American League Cy Young winner pitching in games in the minors soon and making his 2024 debut for the Yankees at some point in June, barring setbacks,” reported an insider source. This news comes as a major boost for the Bombers, who have been navigating the season without their ace.

In a twist of fate, this positive news was tempered by the unfortunate injury to Clarke Schmidt. The young right-hander has been a revelation for the Yankees this season, posting impressive numbers as the team’s second-best starter. However, a lat strain has forced him to the sidelines for at least two months, leaving a gaping hole in the rotation.

“Sad to see [Schmidt] go down, such an incredible pitcher and was rolling just like the rest of the staff right now,” lamented Cody Poteet, who has been called up from Triple-A to fill Schmidt’s spot. Poteet, who has already delivered a strong spot start for the Yankees this season, is expected to hold down the fort until Gerrit Cole’s return.

The team’s rotation situation has become a fascinating subplot this season. Despite Cole’s absence, the pitching staff has been historically dominant. Recently, led by the performance of Cole’s student Luis Gil, they posted the first 15-start stretch of allowing two runs or fewer in five or more innings since before Teddy Roosevelt was president. This remarkable feat has led some to question the necessity of Cole’s hefty $36 million salary.

“What if he … simply … decided to melt one more ball of wax after watching pitching coach Matt Blake turn the Yankees’ rotation into an 1893 Deadest Ball Era supernova?” muses Adam Weinrib of Yanks Go Yard, further speculating on the thoughts of owner Hal Steinbrenner.

Anticipation builds for Gerrit Cole’s potential Subway Series return

While the loss of Schmidt is undoubtedly a setback, the Bombers remain optimistic. They believe their pitching depth can weather the storm, and the imminent return of Cole could prove to be the ultimate reinforcement. “Thankfully, Luis Gil has disguised himself as Cole while the reigning AL Cy Young winner has been on the shelf,” joked Weinrib, highlighting the unexpected contributions from other pitchers.

Meanwhile, Schmidt is taking the injury in stride. He has sought advice from former teammate Luis Severino, who has dealt with similar lat strains in the past. “Everybody recovers different, everybody’s body’s different, but I think nipping it in the bud and making sure it’s healed is the No. 1 thing,” Schmidt shared, emphasizing his determination to return to the mound as quickly and safely as possible.

The Yankees are hoping that Schmidt’s optimism is well-founded and that he can return to help the team down the stretch and in the playoffs. In the meantime, they will rely on the likes of Poteet and others to keep the rotation afloat until Gerrit Cole returns.

“I’m not looking too far ahead, just taking it a day at a time and trying to get better each day and enjoy being around so many great players,” Poteet said, embodying the team’s next-man-up mentality.

As the Yankees navigate this challenging period, all eyes will be on Gerrit Cole’s rehab assignment. If all goes well, he could return as early as June 25th for the Subway Series against the New York Mets, a fitting stage for the ace’s triumphant return. The team is confident that their pitching staff, even without Schmidt, can continue to excel, and the potential return of Cole could make them an even more formidable force in the American League.