Overview
- Schmidt recently threw a bullpen at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees hope he will begin facing live hitters within roughly a month as part of his rehab progression.
- He underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2025 and has spent the following months on a structured recovery program rather than throwing in games.
- The club and Schmidt are cautious about setting a firm timetable because he has a multi‑year history of arm and other injuries and has rarely reached high inning totals.
- Gerrit Cole’s quicker, successful return from Tommy John is cited as motivating context but team sources stress Cole’s path is not a guarantee for Schmidt.
- The next decisive steps will be medical checks, live‑hitter sessions and monitored workload and those results will shape whether he returns as a starter, reliever or remains on an extended rehab plan.