Clarke Schmidt, the New York Yankees’ 30-year-old right-hander, might be making a comeback sooner than later, which is a big deal for them in the AL. But while they’re sweating their pitching staff, over here in the Emerald City, we’re staring down a piece of history with Cal Raleigh that’s gonna sting every single one of us.
The Bronx Bombers’ Bullpen Boost (Or Lack Thereof)
Schmidt’s been out for over a year, man. The dude made just 14 starts in 2025 before getting hit with Tommy John surgery. That’s a brutal recovery, but he’s been throwing bullpens and the Yankees are finally pushing him to the next step. He’s slated to throw a live batting practice session on Tuesday. If that goes smoothly, then it’s Minor League rehab assignment time, baby!
The plan is to bring him back as a reliever, which totally makes sense after being sidelined for so long. They need him, too. They just lost lefty Ryan Weathers to the 15-day IL with a left forearm flexor strain, and he’s not even ruled out for the season, with a chance to 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. Second time! He could throw a live batting practice session as early as next week. Yeah, the Yankees might have “one of the best rotations in the Majors,” but losing these guys, especially Fried again, creates a “serious problem” for that AL East club. They’re feeling the heat, for sure.
Big Dumper’s Early Season Gut Punch
But hey, let’s talk about *our* guy for a second. While the Yankees are juggling injured arms, Cal Raleigh, our rock behind the plate, is on track for something none of us want to acknowledge: he’s on track to hit the fewest home runs after a 60-plus homer season in MLB history. Yeah, you read that right. Fewest. After hitting 60+ last season! Are you kidding me?
This is tough to swallow, Seattle. After seeing Big Dumper absolutely launch bombs for us, seeing this kind of early-season slump, this kind of historical low, it’s just a gut punch. We need those dingers, we rely on his power in the lineup, and this trend is a serious red flag early in the season. What’s going on out there? We’re all here biting our nails, hoping he breaks out of this fast. We know what he’s capable of!
So yeah, while New York is hoping Schmidt can shore up their bullpen, we’re here in Seattle just hoping Cal Raleigh can find his power stroke. We need that fire, Big Dumper, we need it NOW. Let’s see if he can turn this ship around next week, because every game matters, and we’re ready to cheer him on when he does!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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