The New York Yankees are making strides in their efforts to reintegrate right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt into their lineup. Just before the team's series finale against the Los Angeles Angels, the Yankees confirmed that Schmidt's rehabilitation assignment has been elevated from Double-A Somerset to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
On September 2, 2026, the Yankees shared the news on social media, indicating that Schmidt's progress is on track as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent last summer. This announcement is particularly significant for the Yankees, who have been looking to bolster their pitching staff as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Prior to this latest update, Schmidt faced live hitters on August 4 but had to cut the session short due to forearm cramping. However, he returned to face hitters again late last month and reported no issues, allowing him to commence his rehab assignment on August 29. In his first outing at Double-A, Schmidt pitched 2/3 of an inning, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out two batters, showcasing his potential to contribute once again.
Schmidt was selected by the Yankees in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft, coming in at No. 16 overall from the University of South Carolina. He made his major league debut in 2020, but his early years in the league were marred by limited appearances, with just three games in 2020 and two in 2021. However, he began to find his footing in 2022, posting a solid 3.12 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP and 56 strikeouts over 57 2/3 innings across 29 appearances, including three starts.
In 2023, the Yankees transitioned Schmidt into a starting role, where he recorded a 4.64 ERA with 149 strikeouts in 159 innings across 33 outings. His performance improved in 2024, as he achieved a 2.85 ERA over 85 1/3 innings in 16 starts, although he faced setbacks due to a right lat strain. Last season, Schmidt continued to show promise, finishing with a 3.32 ERA in 78 2/3 innings over 14 starts.
As he works his way back from the injured list, Schmidt is expected to pitch out of the bullpen upon his return. This adjustment could provide the Yankees with valuable depth in their pitching rotation as they aim for a strong finish to the season. The Yankees will be closely monitoring Schmidt's performance in Triple-A to determine the best time for his return to the major leagues.
With the Yankees currently in a competitive race in the American League, having Schmidt back could be a crucial factor in their playoff aspirations. Fans and analysts alike will be watching his progress closely as the team navigates the final games of the season.
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