Clarke Schmidt Nears Return to Yankees Pitching Staff

Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that right-hander Clarke Schmidt could be added to the major-league roster during the team’s upcoming road trip. If activated, Schmidt would provide a fresh arm for the bullpen as New York approaches the final stretch of the season and looks toward the postseason.

Newsweek

Schmidt is on a Minor League rehab assignment after undergoing Tommy John surgery with an internal-brace procedure in July 2025. Across four appearances in Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he has posted a 4.76 ERA, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out eight batters in 5 2/3 innings. His most recent outing in Somerset featured two strikeouts and no runs in a single inning; a similar scoreless inning was recorded at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sept. 6. Last season, Schmidt went 4-4 with a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts for the Yankees.

Newsweek

Boone said he is “pleased” with Schmidt’s progress and noted that the pitcher “feels good, looks good” and is throwing effectively in game settings. He explained that while the Yankees view Schmidt as a long-term starter, the club plans to use him out of the bullpen in September and possibly in the postseason. Boone added that Schmidt’s activation could coincide with the road trip to the Minnesota Twins and Arizona Diamondbacks, and that the expected return of left-hander Ryan Weathers may also bolster the bullpen.

Clarke Schmidt nearing return to Yankees from rehab assignment

• “He feels good, he looks good,” — Aaron Boone, yankees manager

Clarke Schmidt nearing return to Yankees from rehab assignment

• “That’s a potential reality that may happen,” — Aaron Boone, yankees manager

Clarke Schmidt nearing return to Yankees from rehab assignment

Should Schmidt join the roster, the Yankees would gain an additional left-handed option for late-inning situations. The timing aligns with the team’s push for a playoff berth, and the added depth could help preserve the existing bullpen as the schedule intensifies.

Newsweek