Yankees shut out Cubs as Clarke Schmidt shines in return

The Yankees faced the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday afternoon, achieving a 2-0 victory. Clarke Schmidt, returning from the injured list, delivered an impressive performance, pitching 4 2/3 shutout innings. This followed Luis Gil's six-inning scoreless outing the previous day, showcasing the Yankees' pitching depth. Nestor Cortes, who was temporarily moved to the bullpen, contributed 4 1/3 innings of dominant relief, retiring 13 of 14 batters faced. Manager Aaron Boone praised the team's pitching staff, emphasizing their need to execute consistently as the regular season nears its end. Schmidt had previously maintained a 2.82 ERA over his first 11 starts before his injury. His return was crucial for the Yankees, who are currently evaluating their rotation options. With Cortes expected to start against the Red Sox later in the week, the Yankees will soon need to decide which pitcher will be moved to the bullpen as they transition from a six-man to a five-man rotation. The Yankees provided Schmidt with an early lead, as Wells drove in Gleyber Torres in the first inning. This allowed Schmidt to pitch confidently, and he expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting he felt strong and not fatigued. The team's strategy of using a piggyback approach with Schmidt and Cortes proved effective, ensuring the lead was maintained throughout the game. As the Yankees continue to navigate their pitching depth, the recent performances of Schmidt and Cortes highlight the team's potential to improve as they head into the final stretch of the season. Boone's comments reflect a commitment to executing well and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the pitching staff.