T he Yankees will start Clarke Schmidt for Game 3 against the Royals, instead of rookie Luis Gil with the series tied at one-game apiece. Schmidt was very solid this year when he

If Gil doesn’t pitch in relief of starter Carlos Rodón on Monday at Yankee Stadium, he’ll transition to some side work because the Yankees need him available as a starter in the next round. Then again, Boone understands that everyone needs to be available this time of year.

Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil were both in the bullpen for Game 1 of the ALDS, though the Yankees didn’t end up needing either of them. Only Gil will be staying there the rest of the series. Schmidt has been tabbed as Wednesday’s Game 3 starter against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium,