We knew Schmidt would make his next start in the majors, but it’s now been officially confirmed that he’ll take the ball for Wednesday’s series finale against Kansas City at Yankee Stadium. The 29-year-old righty looked ready to go in a handful of minor league rehab outings and should be rostered in all fantasy formats. He appeared to be on the verge of a sustained breakthrough last year before suffering a lat strain in late May that cost him nearly three months.

Schmidt has looked sharp in his rehab outings, and the 29-year-old will be a major upgrade for the Yankees’ rotation. Whether the start comes Tuesday or Wednesday, the right-hander will be facing off against the Royals, and he’s worth a glance as an option for those needy for pitching help in the early portion of 2025.

Schmidt struck out seven over 3 1/3 scoreless frames last Saturday in his first rehab start and is expected to rejoin New York’s rotation in the middle of next week to make his season debut against the Royals. The 29-year-old righty has been out since spring training recovering from shoulder discomfort.

Schmidt threw 57 pitches (37 strikes) and allowed just two baserunners in his first rehab outing. The 29-year-old righty is expected to require an additional tune-up next week in the upper minors before making his season debut on April 15 or 16 against the Royals.