The starting pitcher for Game 3 of the American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals has been announced. For the Bronx Bombers on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium, Clarke Schmidt will take the mound. The Royals won Game 2 4-2 to even the series at 1–1, with the Yankees winning Game 1.
Being able to start Game 3 was “a dream come true,” Schmidt told YES reporter Meredeth Marakovitz. “Obviously, it’s a great opportunity to win a ball game, and it’s something that I’ve dreamed about since I was young, so really looking forward to it and excited to get back out there in the playoff atmosphere.”
Schmidt is one of two pitchers who have yet to appear in the series. Luis Gil has also yet to pitch for the Yankees.
Schmidt had a solid 2024 season when healthy. He made 16 starts and went 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA. The righty recorded 93 strikeouts in 85.1 innings as well.
Schmidt has made three postseason appearances out of the bullpen during his career. He allowed three earned runs in 2.2 innings over three appearances for the Yankees during the 2022 playoffs.
Schmidt will match up against Seth Lugo in Game 3. Lugo pitched the Royals’ second game of the postseason against the Baltimore Orioles in the AL Wild Card series. He allowed one run in 4.1 innings as the team won 2-1 and advanced to the ALDS.
