Clarke Schmidt and Giancarlo Stanton making progress for Yankees
Clarke Schmidt of the Yankees looks on after defeating the Orioles at Yankee Stadium on June 18. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Two of the Yankees longer-term injuries are still a ways off from returning, but are making positive strides to be part of a stretch run, Aaron Boone said.
Both Clarke Schmidt (right lat strain) and Giancarlo Stanton (left hamstring strain) are hitting their expected benchmarks, with Schmidt throwing off flat ground and Stanton doing some hitting, throwing and light running on Tuesday.
There’s no firm timeline for either to return, but Schmidt, who landed on the injured list on May 30, was shut down for four weeks before throwing again; Boone said he didn’t know exactly when the righthander would be able to get back on the mound, but did not rule out late summer
“I’m really itching to get back out there,” said Schmidt, who was 5-3 with a 2.52 ERA before his injury. “It’s been so tough watching. I just want to help the guys out and be part of it again — be out there competing.”
Stanton landed on the IL on June 23 and said he expected to be out about four weeks — putting a potential return a little after the All-Star break. That’s still in play, Boone said.
“I think it’s possible,” Boone said. “We’ll see how he does. I actually just spoke with him and I think he’s encouraged and it’s gone kind of how he’s expected so far, in a good way . . . We’ll just see how the next week, 10 days goes but it seems like he’s moving in the right direction.”
Efross, Brubaker on their way
Pitchers Scott Efross and JT Brubaker, both returning from Tommy John surgery, are on track to help the team this season, Boone said. Efross, a relief arm, is expected to pitch with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday; he has a 3.38 ERA for 5 1/3 innings in four minor-league appearances but hadn’t allowed a run until his last outing. Brubaker, acquired from the Pirates in March, has 1.80 ERA in 10 innings. A starter, Boone said Brubaker was nonetheless in play for a possible bullpen role.
“Both those guys coming off Tommy John, you want to make sure they . . .have that full build up and get their spikes out between the lines and (face) competition for a decent amount of reps to get them there,” Boone said. “They’re definitely getting closer.”
Baby Yanks
Outfielder Spencer Jones and lefthanded pitcher Brock Selvidge have been selected to represent the Yankees at the All-Star Futures Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on July 13. It's the second futures game for Jones, who’s ranked No. 2 in the Yankees farm system and the first for Selvidge. The outfielder is slashing .252/.332/.420 with nine homers and 45 RBIs for Double-A Somerset. Selvidge is 7-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 15 starts with Somerset.
with David Lennon
Laura Albanese is a reporter, feature writer and columnist covering local professional sports teams; she began at Newsday in 2007 as an intern.