Clark Schmidt is set to make his season debut for the New York Yankees on April 15 or 16 against the Kansas City Royals after recovering from right rotator cuff tendinitis. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Schmidt will start for Double-A Somerset this Saturday, marking his first game action since March 11. The Yankees are dealing with significant pitching absences, notably ace Gerrit Cole, who is out for the season due to Tommy John surgery, and Luis Gil, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, sidelined until summer with a lat strain. Right-hander Ian Hamilton is also on the mend from a viral illness but is expected to be activated for the series opener against the Detroit Tigers on Monday.

In addition to the pitching woes, infielder DJ LeMahieu is also recovering from a calf injury sustained early in spring training. Boone indicated that LeMahieu will need a considerable build-up before returning to game action. This situation puts additional pressure on the Yankees' lineup as they navigate through multiple injuries, making Schmidt's return all the more critical for their rotation's depth.