The New York Yankees' starting rotation suffered another blow when Clarke Schmidt got hurt. He will reportedly need Tommy John surgery, and the Yankees may be on the hunt for a replacement.
Schmidt had been a steady arm in the Yankees' rotation. The team was already playing without Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil. With Schmidt out the Yankees are turning to Cam Schlittler. He is the team's No. 10 prospect and has a 2.82 ERA in the minor leagues. However, the Yankees may want a more proven option in order to make a deep run.
The trade deadline could be scarce on available starting pitchers. However, FanSided's James Nolan tabbed Seth Lugo as a potential option for the Yankees after Schmidt's injury.
"The Kansas City Royals aren’t having the season they’ve expected to have," wrote Nolan. "Rumors have suggested they’re leaning towards being sellers at the deadline, and Seth Lugo would be a piece they could trade to acquire young talent. Last season's AL Cy Young runner-up could be exactly what the Yankees need. He has a player option after 2025, and at this point, it looks like he will opt out. The 35-year-old would be an ideal rental for the Yankees."
Lugo has a 2.65 ERA in 16 starts this year. He would be wise to opt out after two great seasons, meaning the Royals may want to capitalize on his value right now.
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Lugo pitched for the New York Mets for seven seasons. He had a 3.48 ERA in 275 games, but pitched primarily out of the bullpen. However, he proved he can handle the New York media and what comes with playing in the market. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2023, he has a 3.11 ERA. He, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón and Gil could be a good enough group to carry the Yankees through October.
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