After another encouraging simulated game, Clarke Schmidt (lat Jose Reyes Jersey strain) reiterated that he believes he can be ready to join the club before August is over. I would say [a return] by the end of the month I think is very realistic, Schmidt said after throwing 25 pitches and his entire arsenal in his second live se sion. Up next is another live se sion on Wednesday, after which the team will decide whether a third se sion is best or if Schmidt should begin a rehab a signment. Cole needed just three rehab games, building up to 68 pitches, before returning to the majors to lengthen himself at the highest level. Clarke Schmidt is on the road to recovery for the Yankees. Getty Images Schmidt expre sed hope that he could follow a similar path and mentioned two or three rehab games before he hopes he can become an option. Well see, Boone said. I think [Schmidt is] on pace to be at that kind of 50-ish pitch mark probably by the end of the month. So, well see. Plenty will depend upon the status of the Yankee rotation, which currently could use as much help as it can get. Explore More and Nestor Cortes have tumbled in the past month, perhaps tiring in a long season. Luis Gil, while pitching well, is dealing with an innings count that he has never experienced before. When Schmidt went down on May 26 with a lat strain that sidetracked a season that was shaping up to be his best, there appeared little urgency for a rolling rotation. That has changed, and especially after a trade deadline in which the Yankees did not bring in a starter, Schmidts importance is significant. Saturday, Schmidt was happy with his strength and pitches while facing Anthony Rizzo, Jon Berti and Jose Trevino. Clarke Schmidt and the Yankees are hoping he can return down the stretch. Getty Images Clarke Schmidt was pitching well before his injury. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con I could throw in a game with that stuff and be very happy with it, said Schmidt, who owned a 2.52 ERA in 11 games before the injury. In his fifth major league season, Schmidt hoped he had turned a corner and said he was happiest with his improvement in command. He walked 20 and struck out 67 in 60 / innings, results that a floundering Yankees rotation could use. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Hes taken another step forward this year, Boone said. I think he was pitching like one of the top 10 or 15 pitchers in the league before he went down. I think hes just got a better grip of his arsenal, more weapons, more ways especially with left-handed hitters to neutralize them a little bit. And then just the experience and the confidence that goes with that. Hes turned into a really good pitcher. Additional reporting by Joel Sherman John Curtiss Jersey