The Yankees have picked up two big reinforcements for the pennant push, as they activated Clarke Schmidt and Ian Hamilton from the 60-day IL ahead of Saturday’s game against the Cubs.
Schmidt, who has been sidelined since the end of May due to a strained right lat, is scheduled to return to the rotation and start the Saturday matinee at Wrigley Field.
The right-hander pitched well during his rehab assignment, allowing just three earned runs while striking out 18 and walking just two across 11.1 innings of work.
He was only able to reach up to 70 pitches during his most recent outing, however, so there is a chance he may not be able to work too deep into his first game back.
Hamilton is a potential option to be used in middle-relief as he makes his return to the Yankees’ bullpen after being sidelined since mid-June due to a right lat strain of his own.
The righty reliever pitched to a 4.55 ERA across 27 appearances before landing on the injured list, but he tossed four scoreless innings while striking out six during his rehab appearances.
In a corresponding roster move, both Phil Bickford and Nick Burdi were designated for assignment.
