As the Cleveland Guardians take on the New York Yankees, both teams are vying for supremacy in the American League. The Guardians, currently at 12-9, are trailing the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central, while the Yankees sit atop the AL East with a 14-8 record. Tonight's matchup sees Gavin Williams on the mound for the Guardians and Clarke Schmidt for the Yankees, presenting an interesting duel of young arms.

The Guardians' lineup features notable players like José Ramírez and Steven Kwan, while the Yankees have their heavy hitters, including Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, ready to make an impact. Fans can catch the game both on local networks and various streaming platforms.

Clarke Schmidt is stepping up for the New York Yankees in a pivotal role this season, following the season-ending injury to ace Gerrit Cole. The 29-year-old pitcher, who has been mentored by Cole since his debut, faced challenges with shoulder tendinitis that delayed his start to the season. His first outing against the Kansas City Royals showcased both his struggles and potential, finishing with 5 2/3 innings pitched, allowing three earned runs while striking out two.

With the Yankees’ rotation currently struggling, Schmidt's performance becomes crucial as he aims to stabilize a staff plagued by injuries. The team has shifted its reliance towards him, especially after Cole’s departure. Schmidt understands the weight of expectations but is focused on consistency and learning from experiences, stating he aims to be a reliable presence every fifth day. The upcoming games will test his mettle as he takes on a more prominent position within the rotation.

Clarke Schmidt made his season debut for the Yankees, pitching 5.2 solid innings, while Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger ensured a thrilling 4-3 victory against the Kansas City Royals. Judge hit a go-ahead home run in the seventh, breaking a 10-game homerless streak, and finished 3-for-3 with a .409 batting average, leading the MLB in several offensive categories. Bellinger's diving catch sealed the win, capping off a three-game sweep for the Yankees.

Manager Aaron Boone lauded Judge's performance, recalling his record-setting 2022 season. With key pitchers like Gerrit Cole sidelined, Schmidt's promising outing is crucial for the team's rotation. The Yankees, now 11-7, prepare to face the Tampa Bay Rays at their spring training facility in an unusual home game.

Wednesday's MLB slate offers a blend of potential and risk as teams gear up for an afternoon getaway schedule, with 10 matchups starting at 6:35 p.m. ET. Pitching options are less than stellar, but Aaron Nola stands out at $9,000 against the strikeout-prone Giants. Brandon Pfaadt and Robbie Ray provide intriguing alternatives, while value options like Clarke Schmidt and Osvaldo Bido may be worth considering.

Offensively, the Rockies' lineup presents a budget-friendly option against struggling pitcher Bobby Miller, while the Red Sox's Jarren Duran and Rafael Devers can be strong plays against Zack Littell. Stacking the Tampa Bay Rays against Sean Newcomb could yield returns, as could rolling with the Dodgers against German Márquez. This is an ideal opportunity for strategists to leverage mismatches and identify underpriced talent.

Clarke Schmidt's return to the Yankees' rotation is crucial as the team's pitching ranks are suffering from injuries. With a promising 2024 season behind him, including a 2.85 ERA and a World Series start, Schmidt's performance is under close scrutiny as he steps in for the injured Marcus Stroman. Manager Aaron Boone expressed high expectations for Schmidt, emphasizing the confidence in his ability to improve after dealing with rotator cuff issues.

Schmidt's readiness is bolstered by impressive rehab outings, showcasing his potential to stabilize a rotation plagued by injuries to key players like Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil. His teammates, including Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe, have noted his dedication and growth, particularly in control and pitch sequencing. With the Yankees' rotation struggling, Schmidt's effectiveness will be vital for their hopes of success this season.