The New York Yankees' pitching depth is set to increase as key starters Clarke Schmidt and Ryan Weathers are nearing a return from the injured list. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Schmidt could be activated as early as the Yankees' upcoming road trip, provided he successfully completes his fifth and final rehab appearance on Saturday.
Schmidt has been recovering from Tommy John surgery. "Let's get through Saturday and we'll see," Boone said Friday. "But that's in play."
Meanwhile, Ryan Weathers is progressing through his throwing program after being sidelined for two weeks with a left forearm flexor strain. He is aiming to advance to a bullpen session on Monday. Weathers is hopeful for at least one or two regular-season appearances before the playoffs to regain competitive rhythm.
"Obviously we're kind of fighting the clock right now and we're trying to be smart with it too," Weathers said. "But everything's trending in the right direction. ... I have no doubt I could throw 40 pitches right now in a game. It's like, if I just need 20-25, I'd rather use those in a game than burn them in a live [batting practice]."
He added, "I just would like to get an inning back in competition before [the playoffs]. Not that I don't trust myself in a wild card or division series, but it's more high-pressure and just [want to] get my feet back under me for an inning."
In other roster news, infielder José Caballero was out of the lineup for a second consecutive game. Anthony Volpe, who was called up Thursday after playing second base at Triple-A, has been starting at the position. Boone confirmed he has spoken with Caballero about his role as the team enters a critical period.
"Everyone wants to play," Caballero said. "Everyone wants a chance to be out here and playing. That's why we have a manager. He's the one making decisions to play or not. We all, as players, have to take it and be OK with it and try to do the best we can do in the role we got."
Outfielder Aaron Judge, who recently returned from a three-month absence due to a right rib stress fracture, was back in the lineup for Friday's Subway Series opener against the Mets. Boone stated that Judge's availability for all three games against the Mets would be determined later.
The Yankees also recalled reliever Bradley Hanner, bringing their pitching staff back to 14 pitchers on the 28-man roster. This move followed the optioning of Jasson Domínguez to Triple-A.