The New York Yankees could get right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt back from injury soon.
Schmidt has been on the injured list for the entire 2026 MLB season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July of last year. It was the second time Schmidt had Tommy John surgery in his career.
Although Schmidt hasn’t pitched yet, he’s close to returning and could begin a minor league assignment shortly, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
“Clarke Schmidt will throw a live BP session on Tuesday. Assuming it goes well, he’d then begin a Minor League rehab assignment,” Hoch wrote on X.
Getting Schmidt back would be a major addition to the Yankees pitching staff, especially with Ryan Weathers going to the IL after leaving his start on Saturday.
Schmidt could take over a spot in the rotation, or add to the bullpen. Regardless, the right-hander is expected to pitch for the Yankees this season.
Clarke Schmidt Wants to Help Yankees Win
GettyClarke Schmidt wants to help Yankees win.
With Schmidt returning from Tommy John surgery, the right-hander knew he couldn’t rush.
Instead, Schmidt was focused on doing his rehab, and he knew that gave him a chance to return near the end of the season and help the Yankees.
“Your back’s against the wall a little bit as far as getting a full pitch count of 60 to 70 pitches,” Schmidt said. “But I know I’ll be able to be back at some point in some facet this year. … “That’s the only thing on my mind right now.
“I want to help this team. I care about my career and the long-term, stuff like that. But for me right now – I know how talented we are. I’ve seen the upside of this team throughout the season. When I lay my head down at night, that’s all I’m thinking about; how can I be an impact on this team?”
Due to the injuries to the Yankees pitching staff, Schmidt could have a bigger impact than he thought.
Schmidt was selected in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Yankees. In his MLB career, he’s 23-24 with a 3.82 ERA in 97 games, including 67 starts, and is 2-for-3 in saves.
New York Right Now
The Yankees are three games back of the Tampa Bay Rays entering play on Sunday.
New York is in the midst of a series against the Toronto Blue Jays and will look to win the series on Sunday. The Yankees lost on Saturday as Weathers went down with an injury.
“You never want significant pieces to go down, but that’s part of it,” Yankees manager Boone said. “I feel like we’re throwing the ball incredibly well, and we expect to continue to do that. In the short term, that creates an opportunity for someone else. We’ve had people step up all year. We’ll need to do it again.”
The Yankees are 73-56 and atop the AL Wild Card.
Yankees Get Major Clarke Schmidt Injury Update During Blue Jays Series