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Clarke Schmidt Nears Yankees Return After Strong Second Rehab Outing

A two-inning, 23-pitch appearance Wednesday strengthens the plan to bring Schmidt back as a reliever to help a taxed bullpen if he completes additional rehab work.

Overview

  • Schmidt completed a two-inning rehab outing on Wednesday, throwing 23 pitches with 20 strikes while allowing one run, recording three strikeouts and issuing no walks.
  • Manager Aaron Boone said he is encouraged by Schmidt’s progress but expects the right-hander to make a few more rehab appearances before the Yankees activate him.
  • The organization is preparing Schmidt to return as a bullpen arm rather than a starter so he can contribute sooner and in shorter, higher-intensity outings.
  • New York has added short-term pitching depth recently by activating Luis Gil and claiming John Schreiber as the club manages injuries to key relievers including Fernando Cruz.
  • Schmidt’s comeback follows July 2025 Tommy John surgery and fits a common path where teams use relief roles to shorten workload and reduce risk while still gaining late-season help.