Schmidt emerged as one of the Yankees’ top pitchers during a breakout 2024 season, recording a 2.85 ERA and earning the start in Game 3 of the World Series. Now, Schmidt is more important than ever to a Yankees rotation that’s been ravaged by injuries.

“Really excited,” Aaron Boone said when asked about Schmidt before the game. “He’s a really good pitcher. We’ve seen him grow before our eyes over the last several years, and really over the last couple years establish himself as a really good starter. He’s important to our team and excited to get him back.”

Though it wasn’t the cleanest start from Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt, the outing stretched longer than expected.