Schmidt (shoulder) scratched as Yanks' pitching woes mount

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees are dealing with another potential injury concern in their starting rotation, as right-hander Clarke Schmidt was scratched from a scheduled Grapefruit League start against the Blue Jays on Monday due to soreness in his pitching shoulder.

Schmidt had initially been announced as the Yanks¡¯ scheduled starter for Sunday¡¯s 4-3 loss to the Pirates at George M. Steinbrenner Field, a start that instead went to right-hander Cam Schlittler.

Manager Aaron Boone said no tests are scheduled for Schmidt, and the club intends to have Schmidt toss from a bullpen mound on Monday instead of traveling to Dunedin, Fla.

¡°With some of the attrition we¡¯ve had, it¡¯s not something we want to push,¡± Boone said. ¡°He¡¯s just not bouncing back as well as he wanted to.¡±

Left-hander Brent Headrick is scheduled to start in Schmidt's place against the Blue Jays.

The Yankees have been slammed by injuries this spring, including two significant losses to their pitching staff. Ace right-hander Gerrit Cole will miss the year as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, and reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is mending a high-grade lat strain that is expected to keep the right-hander out for at least three months.

¡°We¡¯ve taken a number of hits in the starting rotation,¡± general manager Brian Cashman said last week. ¡°We certainly can¡¯t afford to take too many more.¡±

Schmidt, 29, was slowed earlier in camp by a stiff back that delayed his Grapefruit League debut until March 11, when he allowed three runs in 1 2/3 innings to the Orioles at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

The Yankees have said Schmidt would initially remain behind in Florida when the team goes north in order to continue building his stamina, eyeing the club¡¯s sixth game against the D-backs on April 3 as his season debut.

¡°I think we¡¯re just being cautious with it, but he¡¯s not making his start [Monday], so there¡¯s at least that concern,¡± Boone said. ¡°Hopefully, he recovers, has no issues with the 'pen [session], and then, we¡¯ll insert him back in a couple of days.¡±

At present, only two Yankees starters have been announced for the regular season: Left-hander Carlos Rod¨®n is set to pitch Opening Day on March 27 against the Brewers, and left-hander Max Fried will follow on March 29. Marcus Stroman is also expected to be in the rotation, with the final spot thought to be a battle between Will Warren, Carlos Carrasco and Allan Winans.