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Yankees Readying Clarke Schmidt for Relief Return After Tommy John Rehab

The club plans to ease Schmidt back into the bullpen to address immediate pitching needs while monitoring his health and preserving a chance to test him as a starter next year.

Image
Apr 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (36) walks to the dugout after the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Schmidt has advanced through late-stage rehab from July 2025 Tommy John surgery and recently made a fourth minor‑league rehab appearance that manager Aaron Boone said went well.
  • In his latest outing for Double‑A Somerset, Schmidt threw one inning, recorded 10 of 12 pitches for strikes, allowed one hit and struck out two, which the club viewed as an encouraging, relief‑style performance.
  • The Yankees are preparing to activate Schmidt this month in a relief role rather than insert him immediately into the rotation, a plan driven by the short time left in the season and the club’s current bullpen needs.
  • Team officials expect Schmidt to require a couple more rehab outings and continued monitoring before an official return, and Boone has left open the possibility of using him as an opener, a multi‑inning arm, or a one‑inning reliever.
  • The move preserves a longer‑term option: the club plans to reassess Schmidt’s suitability for a rotation spot in 2027 while his return now could stabilize a bullpen that has shown occasional inconsistency late in the season.