The New York Yankees are getting a key arm back on the mound soon, and it could not come at a better time for their pitching staff. Right-hander Clarke Schmidt, who has been sidelined for over a year following Tommy John Surgery in 2025, is set to throw a live batting practice session on Tuesday. If that goes smoothly, he will finally begin a Minor League rehab assignment, a huge step toward returning to the big club.
From Long Haul to Live Arm
Schmidt’s journey back has been a long one. After making just 14 starts in 2025 before his season-ending surgery, he has been steadily working his way through bullpen sessions. Now, finally, a live BP session is on the horizon. The plan is to bring the 30-year-old back as a reliever, not a starter, which makes sense given the length of his absence and the immediate need for bullpen help. It is all about getting those innings in and getting him built back up.
Yankees’ Pitching Staff Needs Reinforcements ASAP
This news couldn’t be timelier for the Yankees, who are definitely dealing with some pitching headaches right now. They recently lost left-hander Ryan Weathers to the 15-day IL with a left forearm flexor strain. While Weathers hasn’t been ruled out for the season, the hope is he could join Schmidt in the bullpen for the postseason. And get this: Max Fried, another lefty, is on the IL with his second bone bruise of the season in his elbow, though he could throw a live batting practice session as early as next week. The Bronx Bombers might have one of the best rotations in the Majors, but another injury would cause a serious problem for that AL East club. You know how quickly things can spiral with pitching injuries.
This Tuesday’s live BP is massive for Schmidt and the Yankees’ bullpen. If he clears that hurdle, a rehab assignment means we are getting closer to seeing him back in pinstripes and eating up innings in relief. Meanwhile, on our side of the country, Mariners fans are still scratching their heads over Cal Raleigh, who’s on track to hit the fewest homers in MLB history after a 60+ home run season. What a wild stat for our guy!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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