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.

Max Fried's highly anticipated Yankees debut came with a mix of excitement and frustration, resulting in a 20-9 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Although he couldn't secure a win due to five defensive errors that led to unearned runs, Fried showcased his skills with 4.2 innings pitched, four strikeouts, and a fastball reaching 98 mph. The Yankees are optimistic about Fried's potential as he transitions from a successful career with the Atlanta Braves to forming a dynamic rotation alongside ace Gerrit Cole, especially now with Cole sidelined for the season.

Fried's journey includes two All-Star selections and impressive stats, including a 3.08 ERA over the last six seasons. Manager Aaron Boone praised Fried's engaging personality and work ethic, underscoring the Yankees' strategy to improve their defense after last season's struggles. Fried remains focused on his next start, determined to contribute to the Yankees' success.

Austin Wells made history on Opening Day for the New York Yankees, hitting a leadoff home run against the Milwaukee Brewers, becoming the first catcher in MLB history to achieve this feat. Under manager Aaron Boone, Wells showcased his potential, contributing significantly to the Yankees' 4-2 victory. This performance comes after a strong spring training wherein Wells hit six homers, marking a promising transition from a fourth-place hitter to a leadoff role.

Despite the team's injuries and the absence of Juan Soto, young talents like Wells and Anthony Volpe are expected to step up. Volpe also contributed a home run, underscoring the importance of these players this season. On the mound, Carlos Rodón filled in for Gerrit Cole, allowing just one run over 5.1 innings, showcasing his revamped sinker and setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

Yankees Opening Day 2025 arrives on March 27, when the New York Yankees host the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium, starting at 3:05 p.m. Fans unable to attend can watch live on ESPN and the Gotham Sports app, with gates opening at 1 p.m. Following a successful run to the World Series last year, the Yankees look to rebound after offseason losses, including Juan Soto's controversial trade to the Mets. Injuries plague the roster, with key players like Gerrit Cole and Giancarlo Stanton sidelined.

The Yankees will roll out a revamped starting lineup featuring ace Carlos Rodon and star Aaron Judge, who aims to deliver a memorable season. The team’s first series continues against the Brewers on March 29 and 30, with hopes of regaining their dominant legacy in baseball.

The 2025 New York Yankees are entering the season with an intensified hunger for success after a disappointing previous season. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the necessity of this desire, stating that winning isn't guaranteed and that the team must embody a sense of purpose. After missing the playoffs in 2023 and experiencing a World Series collapse in 2024, the Yankees are determined to overcome past failures. Young players like Anthony Volpe are channeling these experiences to fuel their drive for improvement. However, they face significant challenges, including the loss of their ace Gerrit Cole to injury and the departure of Juan Soto to the New York Mets.

With a restructured roster featuring veterans like Max Fried and Cody Bellinger alongside promising youngsters, the Yankees aim to navigate a highly competitive AL East. Despite PECOTA predicting a challenging season ahead, the team is focused on turning disappointments into motivation. Boone and key players, including Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Aaron Judge, are committed to achieving their ultimate goal—a World Series title.