Clarke Schmidt Takes a Big Step Toward a Yankees Comeback

It was a quiet afternoon at the Yankees’ training complex, but for 30‑year‑old right‑hander Clarke Schmidt, it felt anything but ordinary. The pitcher, still months away from full clearance after his second Tommy John surgery, stepped onto the mound for a simulated game on Saturday – the first live‑action look we’ve gotten since his elbow reconstruction.

Schmidt’s outing was deliberately low‑key: just 15 fastballs, each sitting in the mid‑90s, with a maximum velocity of 94 mph. No breaking balls, no sliders, just a steady stream of heat aimed at getting his arm back into rhythm. Yankees staff had him take it easy, emphasizing control and feel over anything fancy.

“I want to help this team,” Schmidt said, a hint of urgency in his voice. “How can I be an impact on this team?” He’s not shy about the fact he’s willing to start wherever the club needs him – whether that’s back in the rotation or in the bullpen.

Manager Aaron Boone echoed that sentiment, noting that the Yankees are still figuring out Schmidt’s ultimate role. “We’ll see where he fits once he’s fully healthy,” Boone said. “Right now, we’re just happy to see him back on the mound.”

The timing of the simulated game was a bit serendipitous. The Yankees‑Dodgers matchup that night was postponed because of rain, giving Schmidt a little extra breathing room to focus on the rehab session without the distraction of a full‑scale game.

Schmidt isn’t the first Yankee to bounce back from elbow surgery, but his journey is unique. He’s undergoing a second Tommy John procedure, something that, historically, has been a tougher road back to the majors. Still, his 2025 numbers – a 3.32 ERA across 14 starts and nearly 79 innings pitched – remind everyone of the talent he brings when healthy.

Looking ahead, Schmidt has another simulated outing penciled in about five days after his Saturday effort, a short‑term step in a longer, carefully managed return plan. If all goes well, we could see him rejoin the big league roster before the season’s second half, adding depth to a Yankees staff that’s already stacked with experience.

For now, the sight of Schmidt delivering those 94‑mph fastballs is enough to get the New York faithful buzzing. It’s a small glimpse, but one that suggests a brighter future for a pitcher determined to get back to the game he loves.