Yankees’ Pitching Prospect Chase Hampton Faces Elbow Trouble Again
Yankees pitching prospect Chase Hampton, a 23-year-old right-hander, is dealing with a flexor strain in his right elbow for the second consecutive year, a setback that has raised concerns about the possibility of Tommy John surgery. Manager Aaron Boone reported that the issue surfaced during a bullpen session on Friday. Hampton is currently in New York for further examination, and more details are expected to emerge within the next 48 hours.
Selected in the sixth round of the 2022 amateur draft from Texas Tech, Hampton signed a $497,500 bonus and was ranked as the Yankees’ No. 6 prospect, second among pitchers, by MLB.com last year. His 2023 season was marked by inconsistency due to multiple injuries. He started 20 games for Class A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset, posting a 4-3 record with a 3.63 ERA and striking out 145 batters in 106 2/3 innings. However, his season was interrupted by a flexor strain that kept him out until July 1, and he only pitched seven games after that, going 0-1 with a 2.41 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings. Hampton didn’t pitch after August 10 due to a lower body injury.
Hampton’s Frustration and Future
Chase Hampton’s journey through injuries has been a frustrating one, and his disappointment is palpable. "Just having an uneven season last year with some injury, he’s pretty bummed about that," Boone said. Despite the setbacks, the Yankees remain committed to supporting Hampton and will continue to assess his condition to develop a comprehensive plan to get him back on track. Hampton has been a part of the big league camp as an invitee for the second consecutive year, a testament to the organization’s faith in his potential.
Clarke Schmidt’s Minor Setback
Yankees’ projected fifth starter, Clarke Schmidt, is experiencing a minor issue following his last throwing session. According to Boone, Schmidt is dealing with a "cranky back," but it is not considered a significant problem. Schmidt, a 29-year-old right-hander, had a solid 2022 season, going 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA in 16 starts. He was sidelined between May 26 and September 7 due to a strained right lat muscle but made a strong comeback, starting Game 3 of the World Series. Boone anticipates that Schmidt will likely throw a bullpen session on Friday, coinciding with the day after his 29th birthday.
Marcus Stroman to Open Spring Training
Marcus Stroman, the 33-year-old right-hander, will start the Yankees’ spring training opener against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. Stroman, who missed the first two voluntary workouts last week, has been preparing intensively, and Boone noted that his bullpens have been "a lot of volume and pretty intense." Stroman is expected to pitch one inning in the opener. Upon arriving in camp, Stroman reiterated his intention to remain a starting pitcher. Barring any injuries, the Yankees’ rotation is set to include Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Schmidt.
Stroman’s First Season with the Yankees
Stroman’s 2023 season with the Yankees was a mixed bag. He went 10-9 with a 4.31 ERA, making 29 starts and one relief appearance. However, his performance declined in September, which resulted in his absence from the postseason. Stroman is due to earn an $18 million salary in the second season of his $37 million, two-year contract. He also has a conditional player option for 2026 that would be activated if he pitches at least 140 innings this year. The Yankees are hopeful that Stroman can build on his strengths and deliver a more consistent performance this season.
A Promising but Challenging Start to the Season
The Yankees are navigating a season with high expectations and a roster full of talent. The setbacks faced by prospects like Chase Hampton and the minor issues encountered by Clarke Schmidt highlight the importance of managing young and returning players’ health. Marcus Stroman’s strong preparation and readiness to start the spring training opener are positive signs for the team. As the Yankees gear up for the upcoming season, the focus remains on building a resilient and competitive team, one that can overcome the inevitable challenges and thrive on the field.
