The Yankees turn to Clarke Schmidt for Game 3 against the Royals

Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil were both in the bullpen for Game 1 of the ALDS, although the Yankees didn't end up needing either of them.

Only Gil will remain there for the rest of the series.

Schmidt has been named the starter for Wednesday's Game 3 against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium, manager Aaron Boone announced Monday, answering a question that has been up for debate since the final weeks of the regular season.

“(Schmidt) can handle it,” Boone said. “And it’s not that Luis can’t do it, because Luis could have the biggest role in this series and we’re going to need him. Hopefully as we move forward, he'll be put right back into the rotation (for the ALCS). But I felt like Clarke was the guy for Game 3.”

Due to the built-in rest days during the ALDS, the Yankees only needed three starters, with Gerrit Cole starting Game 1 (and Game 4 if necessary) and Carlos Rodon starting Game 2 (and Game 5 if necessary).

But the Yankees chose Schmidt in the middle game of the series because he had a good chance of missing more than three months this season with a lat strain.

The right-hander posted a 2.85 ERA in 16 starts and 85¹/₃ innings this year, a lighter workload that should keep him fresher come October.

The overconfident Schmidt has also appeared in the postseason – although he played a supporting role in the 2022 playoffs – although Boone said his edge and experience may have played “a small” factor.

“I felt like we had some really tough but good decisions to make because we're talking about guys that we have a lot of trust in that we could give the ball to,” Boone said. “If I were to choose Luis, I’m happy with what he can bring.

“But I feel like Clarke not only became a standout pitcher in this league last year starting in May, but he's actually reached a new level this year. “I feel like he's handling the ball really well right now throws.”

Schmidt said he officially got the news from Boone on Sunday off and is looking forward to getting the ball.

“Of course very excited,” said Schmidt. “It’s a great opportunity and something I’ve been looking forward to and hoping for for a long time.”

Gil, who had a breakout season, posting a 3.50 ERA in 29 starts and 151²/₃ innings, could be a weapon out of the bullpen, where his stuff could perform better than Schmidt's in shorter bursts and more swing -and could create -miss.

There have been questions all season about whether Gil could end up in the bullpen to help him handle his career-high workload after missing nearly all of the last two years during Tommy John rehab surgery, and now the Yankees can find out what that looks like – even though Boone said Gil is healthy.

The team considered rolling Gil out of the bullpen in the final week of the regular season to gain some experience, but wanted to make sure both he and Schmidt got through the finish line healthy and fit heading into the five days off go the ALDS.

“Right now I think it's best that he plays a role in the box for us, and I feel like Clarke is at a point where he's ready for Game 3,” Boone said, hinting , that Gil could either provide length or be thrown out of the bullpen into a high-leverage spot.

Gil pitched five innings of one-run ball against the Royals last month, while Schmidt hasn't pitched against them this season, which could work to his advantage.

“I feel like he's throwing the ball as well towards the end as he should have at the beginning of the season, and I feel like he's been one of the better pitchers in the league,” Boone said. “That’s where I think he’s at.”