Clarke Schmidt (elbow) close to facing hitters

Schmidt continues his throwing progression as he works his way back from last year’s Tommy John surgery. He’s on track to face hitters before the end of the month. The 30-year-old figures to be ready for an extended minor league rehab assignment in the next few weeks and should be ready to return to New York’s pitching mix at some point in the second half of the season.

Schmidt has been sidelined all season after having Tommy John surgery last year. He’s still in the early stages of his return, and facing hitters at some point in June would likely mean a rehab assignment starting in July. Given the depth of the Yankees’ rotation and Schmidt’s likely innings restriction after elbow surgery, you have to wonder if the Yankees will consider bringing him back as a long relief option this season.

Schmidt threw 10 pitches off the mound during the session. He’s still in the initial stages of his throwing progression and is expected to progress to facing live hitters at some point in June. Barring any setbacks along his recovery journey, he should be ready to return to the Yankees in August.

Schmidt said that he and the Yankees’ pitching department worked together to break his one sweeper up into two distinct breaking balls, including a new one that was “designed to give him more horizontal break and a better weapon against righties.” The pitch did that, but it also required Schmidt to “grip it really hard” and “torque it,” which caused the 30-year-old to have a tough time recovering in between his starts. He was then forced to undergo elbow surgery in July. He likely won’t return until the end of the summer, but he claims that he will stick to “his old sweeper grip and will definitely ditch the newer one.” That could lead to fewer strikeouts for Schmidt but more long-term health.

Schmidt might return down the stretch after undergoing surgery late last July, though it might be late enough that he’s only considered as a reliever. The 29-year-old had a nice 3.32 ERA in 14 starts before getting hurt last season.

Schmidt’s new deal comes knowing that he won’t be available until the second half of 2026 because of an internal brace procedure on his right elbow. Once healthy, he’ll likely pitch in the middle of the Yankees’ rotation; likely after the All-Star break.

The procedural move frees up a spot on New York’s 40-man roster for newly acquired outfielder Austin Slater. The 29-year-old right-hander underwent an internal brace procedure earlier this month and is expected to be sidelined until the second half of next season.

Schmidt added that he’s facing an 11-13 month return timeline following the less invasive procedure, which puts him on track to return to New York at some point in the second half of next season.

The procedure will be performed by Dr. Keith Meister. Schmidt will obviously miss the remainder of the 2025 season and most of the 2026 campaign as well while recovering from the procedure. Expect him to be moved to the 60-day injured list in the coming days to free up a spot on the team’s 40-man roster. Cam Schlittler will be given the first opportunity to hold down Schmidt’s spot in the Yankees’ rotation.

It’s a brutal development for the Yankees, and fantasy managers alike, as Schmidt had pitched to a strong 3.32 ERA across 78 2/3 innings (14 starts) this season before hitting the injured list earlier this week with forearm tightness. The 29-year-old’s absence puts some additional strain on New York’s rotation heading towards the trade deadline. Allan Winans and Cam Schlittler are the most likely candidates to fill his rotation spot. Given the timing of the procedure, Schmidt is unlikely to make it back until the late stages of the 2026 season.