The New York Yankees named right-hander Clarke Schmidt as their Game 3 starter when the American League Division Series moves to Kansas City on Wednesday.
Schmidt earned the nod over rookie right-hander Luis Gil, who went on the injured list in late August with a lower back strain and returned to make five starts in September but gave up 10 combined runs over his last two outings.
“The best I can tell you is I just feel like he’s the right guy for that game,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of Schmidt. “I have a lot of confidence in what both bring to the table, and hopefully if we’re able to move on, then Luis is obviously going to find himself back in the rotation as well if you move on in this thing.”
Gil will be available to the Yankees out of the bullpen as needed.
Schmidt, 28, was 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA over 16 starts this season. He did not face the Royals during the regular season but is 2-0 with a 3.29 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against them.
Over parts of five seasons with the Yankees, Schmidt is 19-20 with a 3.95 ERA in 83 appearances (53 starts).
The Yankees won the ALDS opener 6-5 on Saturday, with Game 2 set for Monday night at New York.
The Royals have not officially named a Game 3 starter, but right-hander Seth Lugo is in line for the assignment.
