Clarke Schmidt Placed on Injured List, Out for Early Playoffs

The New York Yankees will be without right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt for the beginning of the playoffs after he was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday. The move is retroactive to Monday and cites right bicep neuritis.

Schmidt's absence is a blow to the Yankees' bullpen plans, as they had hoped he would be a key contributor alongside lefty Ryan Weathers. Weathers is currently dealing with left forearm flexor tendinitis but is expected to throw live batting practice on Friday and could potentially be available later in the postseason.

To fill Schmidt's roster spot, the Yankees recalled right-handed pitcher Bradley Hanner from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The team also mentioned hard-throwing righty Carlos Rodon as a potential option for the postseason bullpen, despite him not having pitched in the majors. Rodon is recovering from a sprained right shoulder.

The Yankees are likely to begin their postseason run against the Boston Red Sox in a best-of-three series starting Tuesday in the Bronx. The team will need to solidify its bullpen depth in the absence of Schmidt.