Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Clarke Schmidt to Undergo Second Tommy John Surgery, Yankees’ Rotation Faces Deeper Shortage

The 29-year-old’s UCL tear ends his season and leaves New York scrambling for innings with prospects or trade targets before the deadline to stabilize a depleted staff

Image
Image
Jul 3, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (36) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images/File Photo
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 05: Trent Grisham #12 of the New York Yankees reacts after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Yankee Stadium on May 05, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Schmidt posted a 4-4 record with a 3.32 ERA, 1.093 WHIP and 73 strikeouts in 78.2 innings over 14 starts before landing on the 15-day injured list.
  • MRI results revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament in Schmidt’s right elbow, making a second Tommy John surgery inevitable and likely extending his absence into 2026.
  • His loss compounds season-ending injuries to Gerrit Cole (Tommy John), Luis Gil (lat strain) and Ryan Yarbrough (oblique), leaving New York with minimal healthy starters.
  • Manager Aaron Boone highlighted internal replacements such as veterans Carlos Carrasco, Allan Winans and Triple-A call-up Cam Schlittler to fill rotation openings.
  • With innings at a premium, the Yankees are expected to pursue mid-rotation arms ahead of the July 31 trade deadline to shore up their staff.