Yankees Fans Get Hopeful Clarke Schmidt Injury Update

New York Yankees supporters got a look at starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt's rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery during Spring Training drills on February 13, and everything seems to be moving forward positively for the right-handed pitcher.

Chris Kirschner from The Athleticposted a video on Xof Schmidt engaging in a game of catch on level ground. In the 22-second video, Schmidt seemed to be throwing effortlessly and without any discomfort from a reasonable distance from his target.

This marks a positive move for Schmidt, yet he still has a long way to go before he steps onto the field wearing pinstripes.

In October, manager Aaron Boone provided a general idea ofSchmidt's recovery timeline, with key objectives of Schmidt resuming pitching in December and his full return scheduled around the middle of the 2026 season.

Schmidt had Tommy John surgery in July following his performance in 14 starts, where he posted a 3.32 ERA, 1.7 WAR, and 73 strikeouts. The Yankees have already placed Schmidt on the 60-day injured list to create space on their 40-man roster.

Other Injured Yankees Pitchers

Schmidt isn't the only Yankees pitcher undergoing recovery from Tommy John surgery. The Cy Young award winner Gerrit Cole isnearing his returnafter having the same operation in March 2025.

"...the target is consistently between 14 and 18 months. That has remained the same," Coletold reportersOn February 13, "That's what the research indicates. That's what the comparisons we've reviewed in the past show, and that's how it has always been."

The schedule Cole emphasized would position his return as early as May. Using the same measure for Schmidt, his earliest possible return would be September.

The Yankees will also be missingCarlos Rodón, who underwent elbow surgery in October, had a less invasive procedure compared to Tommy John, aimed at removing bone spurs and loose bodies. Rodón's return is expected to occur prior to Cole's.

The Yankees attempted to address not having three starting players for Opening Day by trading for Ryan Weathersfrom the Miami Marlins, leaving Max Fried and Cam Schlitler as the most probable top two pitchers, with Weathers, Luis Gil, and Will Warren stepping in behind.

Weathers, Gil, and Warren must deliver solid performances during Spring Training and the early part of the regular season, as they are the three most likely candidates for the fifth position in the starting rotation once Schmidt, Cole, and Rodón are back.

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