Overview
- Schmidt cut short a live batting-practice session on Tuesday after feeling forearm discomfort and threw two innings instead of the planned three.
- Manager Aaron Boone said the issue “seems like” cramping and that Schmidt is “probably good to go,” with the next steps to play catch on Thursday and possibly do a side session this weekend.
- If those throws go well the Yankees plan to move Schmidt into a minor-league rehab assignment, a standard step in a staged return from 2025 Tommy John surgery.
- Schmidt’s timeline carries extra weight because the front office did not add external bullpen help at the trade deadline and the team has relied on recent strong relief work that includes a 2.56 ERA over the past 55 games.
- Other recovery and depth notes to watch are Cody Bellinger taking on-field batting practice and Austin Wells’ recent surge at the plate, both of which shape short-term roster options if Schmidt stays healthy.