Despite the Yankees’ obvious need to bolster its starting rotation before the trade deadline, general manger Brian Cashman passed on a deal which could have put Robbie Ray in pinstripes. Clarke Schmidt is part of the reason why. The 23-year-old, 2017 first-round pick, who was reportedly sought by Arizona in a potential trade package which also included Clint Frazier, has recently demonstrated why the Yankees were reluctant to part him with. Schmidt, the fifth-ranked Yankees prospect according to MLB Pipeline, pitched a career-high seven shutout innings Monday for High-A Tampa, allowing three hits and three walks, while tying a career-high with nine strikeouts. Schmidt also opened the season in Lakeland, striking out nine in five no ...