Yankees' Clarke Schmidt: First rehab start coming Friday

Schmidt (lat) is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Friday at Double-A Somerset, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The Yankees are targeting 50 pitches for Schmidt in the rehab outing, which comes after he gradually raised his pitch count over four live bating practice sessions. Schmidt looks like he'll be given the opportunity to get stretched back out for a starting role, but it's not clear if the Yankees will be able to open up a spot in the rotation for him once he eventually makes his way back from the 60-day injured list. Luis Gil (back) looks on track to return from the 15-day IL slightly before Schmidt, and Marcus Stroman has bounced back from a rough start to the second half with two straight strong starts to help solidify his spot at the back end of the rotation.