Clarke Schmidt, the right-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees, provided an encouraging update on his recovery from Tommy John surgery with a solid performance during his latest rehab outing. On Wednesday, Schmidt took the mound for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he struck out three batters and allowed just one run over two innings in a game that concluded with the RailRiders defeating Lehigh Valley 9-2.
The most significant takeaway from Schmidt's appearance was the absence of pain in his right elbow, a crucial factor as he continues to work his way back to the major leagues. After throwing 23 pitches, with 20 of those strikes, Schmidt expressed satisfaction with how he felt physically, stating, "I physically felt great" following the game.
This outing marked Schmidt's second rehab appearance and his first at the Triple-A level. Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that while Schmidt is progressing, he will require a few more outings before he can rejoin the team in the majors. Schmidt himself acknowledged the importance of these appearances to shake off the rust and refine his pitch execution.
Since undergoing Tommy John surgery last July, Schmidt has not pitched in the major leagues since July 3, 2025. However, he is expected to make a return before the postseason, which is crucial for the Yankees as they aim to bolster their pitching staff for a playoff push. "I’d say it’s just knocking the rust off," Schmidt said, emphasizing the need to refine his pitch selection and execution as he faces live hitters again.
During his outing, Schmidt showcased his full pitching arsenal against a lineup featuring former Philadelphia Phillies prospects Otto Kemp and Carter Kieboom. The Yankees designed this outing to simulate a bullpen session, allowing Schmidt to pitch, rest, and then return to the mound, a strategy that went according to plan.
As the Yankees continue their pursuit of the American League East title, the return of Schmidt could provide a significant boost to a pitching staff that has performed well throughout the season. However, with the team facing challenges, including injuries to key players, Schmidt's ability to quickly adapt and contribute will be vital. He is expected to serve as a swing man but could also emerge as a high-leverage setup option ahead of closer David Bednar in October.
Schmidt's recent performance is a positive sign for the Yankees, who are looking for reliable options in their bullpen as they head into the final stretch of the season. With Brent Headrick currently shouldering a heavy workload and Fernando Cruz on the injured list, Schmidt's successful adjustment to a reliever's routine could be exactly what the Yankees need to strengthen their chances in the postseason. "There’s a lot of different factors when you’re relieving," Schmidt noted, acknowledging the adjustments required for a successful transition.
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