The New York Yankees may have dodged a bullet with Max Fried’s injury, but they are still in some trouble when it comes to their pitchers. With key absences threatening to derail New York’s strong 2026 MLB season at the mound, the Pinstripers will need all the help they can muster. That includes Clarke Schmidt, who’s been sidelined for over a year, but is trending to enter the home stretch of his rehab.
At least, that’s the goal. New York will still take things slowly and cautiously, but the expectation is set. If Schmidt passes his first test, he will reportedly head to his rehab assignment before returning to the Yankees. Fans in the Bronx know how much New York could use Schmidt’s six-pitch skill set.
Just as Aaron Boone disclosed Ryan Weathers’ potential new role when he returns from injury, others may have to fill bigger shoes from time to time, and Schmidt could be one of them. First things first, though, and the 30-year-old must prove he is healthy enough to pitch in the minor leagues. According to a report, the Yankees will find that out very soon.
“Clarke Schmidt will throw a live batting-practice session on Tuesday. Assuming it goes well, he’d then begin a Minor League rehab assignment,” Bryan Hoch of MLB.com stated on his X account.
Clarke Schmidt #36 of the New York Yankees.
How long has Schmidt been out for the Yankees?
Schmidt made his last MLB start on July 3, 2025. He underwent Tommy John surgery on his throwing right elbow and has been absent from New York’s rotation ever since. Provided he’s back at his best and the long rehab journey pays off, the Yankees would be making a great addition to their rotation.
However, they would still be adding another right-handed pitcher. During a time when Max Fried and Ryan Weathers are out with minor yet uncertain injuries, the Bronx Bombers find themselves short on left-handed options. Still, they would take Schmidt back in a heartbeat. As things stand, New York needs little triumphs wherever it can find them, and having Schmidt back would be just that.
Schmidt’s stats in 2025
Although he had a down year after his career season in 2024, Schmidt’s numbers in 2025 still give the Yankees reason for hope. His season ended well short in the summer, but he finished the campaign with a 1.7 WAR, 3.32 ERA, and 1.09 WHIP through 78.2 innings across 14 starts.
