Clarke Schmidt Set for Yankees Bullpen After Strong Return

WHO:

MLB.com - Clarke Schmidt, Yankees manager Aaron Boone

MLB.com - Clarke Schmidt, New York Yankees, manager Aaron Boone, Aaron Judge, Ryan Weathers

NY Post - Clarke Schmidt

WHAT:

MLB.com - Schmidt struck out three batters in 1 1/3 scoreless innings during his fifth Minor League rehab appearance with Double-A Somerset.

MLB.com - Schmidt's pitch count will be closely monitored, and he will not pitch on consecutive days.

MLB.com - Clarke Schmidt was activated from the injured list and made his first Major League appearance in 14 1/2 months.

MLB.com - Schmidt struck out two batters and allowed two bloop singles in his return game.

MLB.com - Schmidt has a career record of 23-24 with a 3.82 ERA in parts of six seasons with the Yankees.

MLB.com - Schmidt had a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts during the previous season.

MLB.com - The Yankees plan to use Schmidt out of the bullpen in September and potentially in the postseason.

MLB.com - Aaron Judge hit his first home run since returning from the injured list on September 8.

MLB.com - The Yankees lost a game against the Twins 5-4 in 13 innings.

MLB.com - Judge experienced stiffness in his lower right leg and was lifted for a pinch-hitter.

MLB.com - Heliot Ramos pinch-hit for Judge and struck out.

MLB.com - The Yankees squandered a bases-loaded opportunity in the 12th inning.

WHERE:

MLB.com - Yankee Stadium, Minneapolis, Target Field

WHEN:

MLB.com - Schmidt's Tommy John surgery was performed in July 2025.

MLB.com - The Yankees' series against the Twins began on a Monday night.

MLB.com - The Yankees have a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays starting Tuesday.

WHY:

MLB.com - Schmidt expressed excitement about returning, stating, “This has been a long journey... I’m ready to get back out there and compete with the guys.”

MLB.com - Schmidt's activation follows his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

MLB.com - Judge's early exit was a precautionary measure to avoid further injury.

HOW:

MLB.com - Schmidt indicated he aims to work himself into leverage situations and pitch in significant scenarios as he builds back strength.

MLB.com - Schmidt's pitch count will be monitored, and he will not pitch on consecutive days.

MLB.com - Judge attempted to play through stiffness before deciding to come out of the game.

Clarke Schmidt made a strong impression during his fifth Minor League rehab appearance with Double-A Somerset, striking out three batters in one and one-third scoreless innings. Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that Schmidt's pitch count will be closely monitored, and he won't pitch on consecutive days as he works his way back. Excited about his return, Schmidt shared, “This has been a long journey... I’m ready to get back out there and compete with the guys,” as he aims to pitch in significant scenarios while building back his strength.