Clarke Schmidt is no Savior and doesn’t pretend to be. He is not Gerrit Cole, and doesn’t pretend to be.
But as the Yankees began their 13-games-in-13 days slog and as concerns or uncertainty linger around Marcus Stroman (15-day injured list, knee inflammation) and Will Warren, who on this day acquitted himself well across five two-hit innings in an 8-4 win over the Giants, it will be an immeasurable boost to the rotation when a healthy Clarke Schmidt returns this week, eyeing his breakthrough season.
“I always feel that way,” Schmidt told The Post. “I’m always expecting the next time I go out there to be my best time. I’m a very optimistic guy, glass-half-full type of guy, and every time I go out there, I’m trying to put my best foot forward. I give this sport my all, so definitely ready and expecting to go out there and break out.”
With Cole gone for the season and Luis Gil not expected back until early June at best, the Yankees need a starter whose bite is worse than his bark on the mound.