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Clarke Schmidt Takes Next Step in Recovery, Yankees Weigh Bullpen Role
Clarke Schmidt threw live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, advancing in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The Yankees plan to use the right-hander in a relief role as he nears a minor league rehab assignment, while Max Fried also edges closer to activation.
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Schmidt Inches Closer to Return, Yankees Eye Relief Role
Clarke Schmidt's recovery from Tommy John surgery reached another milestone on Tuesday afternoon, when the right-hander threw a 20-pitch live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium. The outing put him on track to begin a minor league rehab assignment by this weekend, according to multiple reports.
The session came nearly two weeks after forearm cramping cut short his first live batting practice on Aug. 4, a health scare that was assessed and treated before he returned to the mound a few days later. Schmidt, who has not pitched in a big league game since July 3 of last year, threw his entire arsenal over approximately 20 pitches and his fastballs ranged from 94 to 95 mph.
Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake said Schmidt looked sharp, with some good curveballs and a live fastball. "The competition was a little weak," Blake said with a smile, noting that two coaches, including former big leaguer Brad Ausmus, were in the batter's box. "But overall the stuff looked sharp."
Schmidt offered a lighter take on his competition: bench coach Ausmus and bullpen catcher Rainiero Coa. Schmidt said "I would say Coa" has the better swing, praising Coa's left-handed pull. "He's a little hitterish in there," Schmidt said. "He's also played most recently. Ausmus has got the small ABS [zone]. I'll give him that."
Uncertain Timeline, Defined Role
Schmidt has been out all season, recovering from the elbow surgery he underwent in July of 2025. The 30-year-old is progressing through his throwing program, with most reports suggesting he will face live hitters first and then embark on a minor league rehab assignment stretching into the late summer.
There is some variation in the exact schedule: a reporter noted Schmidt was on track to face hitters before the All-Star break, while an earlier assessment said he could face hitters by the end of the month. Regardless, the plan is clear once he returns: Schmidt is expected to contribute out of the bullpen, not the starting rotation.
That decision, relayed by manager Aaron Boone and first reported by Yankees beat writer Gary Phillips, reflects both the club's rotation depth and the reality of Schmidt's recovery timeline, which leaves limited time to build up as a starter. Schmidt acknowledged the situation directly.
"Given the time, it's not like I'm like, 'I should be starting' and banging on the table because I know it's unrealistic to get to 65, 75 pitches," Schmidt said. "And if I was to go out in a starting role, I would just be hurting the bullpen at that point. I'm excited to compete."
Schmidt and Boone have discussed a multi-inning relief role, with back-to-back appearance ruled out for now. Schmidt is adjusting his routine to a reliever's schedule and said he embraces the pressure of returning in a stretch run.
"It was good to get out there and compete against some unknown competition, but it was good to be on the mound and get some adrenaline, feel a little bit of nerves, and get the body and arm going."
Boone said Schmidt could help if he's on his game, with health as a priority.
Max Fried Nears Activation as Rotation Options Grow
Tuesday's pitching news also included a step forward for Max Fried. The left-hander tossed four simulated innings (60 pitches) against live hitters on Monday, putting him in line for activation on Saturday, when the Yankees host the Red Sox in a day-night doubleheader.
Fried has been dealing with an elbow bone bruise. The outing appears to have gone smoothly, though it was evaluated by the club.
Roster Moves and the Wednesday Start Situation
Manager Aaron Boone suggested that rookie Elmer Rodriguez is likely to be recalled from Triple-A to start Wednesday night's game against the Astros. Rodriguez has a 76 ERA over seventeen innings in four league starts this season and a 59 ERA over 19 starts at Triple-A. Blake praised Rodriguez for the zone and increased velo on his sinker.
The Yankees also added Binghamton native Justin Topa to the active roster, demoting Brendan Beck to Triple-A and placing Giancarlo Stanton on the 60-day injured list to clear a spot. Topa recorded an 05 ERA over 19 innings with the Twins this season.
On Tuesday night, RHP Will Warren was scheduled to face Houston's Ethan Lucky.
Judge's Progress Continues, Without a Timeline
Aaron Judge, who is dealing with a fractured first right rib, began taking overhand indoor batting practice, progressing from last week's automatic tee-and-to sink. But he remains without a published return, with expectations that he will not see until September.
How each outlet told it
A framing line is our reading of that outlet's own text — an interpretation, not a quotation and not a fact we assert. Check it against what the outlet published.
Framing: The headline emphasizes the game itself ('score, live updates and highlights') — Encouraging and neutral, with quotes like 'some encouraging Yankees pitching news' and 'looked sharp.'
Facts Included:
Left-handed pitcher Max Fried tossed four simulated innings (60 pitches) against live hitters on Monday, putting him in line for activation Saturday when the Yankees host the Red Sox in a day-night doubleheader.
Clarke Schmidt tossed a 20-pitch live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, putting him on track to begin a minor league rehab assignment by this weekend.
Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake said Schmidt looked sharp, with some good curveballs and a live fastball, noting the competition was weak as two coaches, including Brad Ausmus, were in the batter's box.
Manager Aaron Boone suggested rookie Elmer Rodriguez is likely to be recalled from Triple-A to start Wednesday night's game against the Astros.
Aaron Judge (fractured first right rib) began taking overhand indoor batting practice, graduating from last week's tee and toss swings, but is still without a public timeline to return, expected at some point in September.
Will Warren opposes fellow right-hander Ethan Pecko for Houston on Tuesday night.
Framing: Headline emphasizes a key update on Schmidt and his preparation for a new role — Analytical and objective, with phrases like 'has been affected by injuries' and 'thought process.'
Facts Included:
Clarke Schmidt underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2025.
Schmidt is ramping up his throwing program and is getting closer to returning during the 2026 season.
Yankees beat writer Gary Phillips reported on X that Schmidt threw on the mound today and Boone said he'll do that again on Friday, then possibly a live.
The Yankees hope to have Schmidt be one of the pitchers on the injured list, along with Luis Gil and Angel Chivilli, as other options, and also the Yankees' second-best pitching prospect and No.4 overall prospect, Carlos Lagrange.
The plan for Schmidt is to contribute from the bullpen, not the starting rotation, as reported by Phillips on Sunday from Aaron Boone.
Schmidt reported cramping during a throwing session on Tuesday, August 4th, which was assessed and treated, and he returned to the mound a couple days later.
Schmidt was drafted in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft (16th overall) out of the University of South Carolina, posting a 4-2 record with 1.34 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 60 1/3 innings in 2017.
Schmidt had Tommy John surgery as a collegiate pitcher and made his MLB debut in 2020.
Over parts of five seasons with the Yankees, primarily as a starter, Schmidt has a 3.82 ERA in 393.1 innings with 384 strikeouts.
Schmidt's arsenal consists of six pitches: cutter, knuckle curve, slider, sinker, sweeper, and four-seamer.
Schmidt's best season was 2024, with a 2.85 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 85.1 innings.
Schmidt has had elbow, foot, lat, rotator cuff, hamstring, and forearm injuries since 2021.
Schmidt has pitched more than 158 innings in a big league season only once, in 2023.
Schmidt's ceiling is a back-end starter type, but with limited workload, he could be a key bullpen piece for a Yankees team with offensive woes and injuries.
Framing: Headline focuses on Schmidt nearing rehab assignment, specifically elbow injury — Informative and forward-looking, with phrases like 'on track' and 'should be ready.'
Facts Included:
Clarke Schmidt is on track to progress to facing hitters before the All-Star break and rejoin New York’s pitching equation in the second half.
He could be utilized as a multi-inning relief option if there isn’t a rotation spot available.
The 30-year-old has been on the shelf all season recovering from last year’s Tommy John surgery.
Schmidt continues his throwing progression and is on track to face hitters before the end of the month.
He is ready for an extended minor league rehab assignment in the next few weeks and should return in the second half.
He is still in early stages, with facing hitters in June meaning a rehab assignment starting in July.
Given rotation depth and innings restriction, he might be brought back as a long relief option.
He threw 10 pitches off the mound during the session.
He is expected to progress to facing live hitters in June and return in August.
Schmidt said he and the Yankees' pitching department broke his sweeper into two distinct breaking balls, including a new one designed for more horizontal break but requiring hard grip and torque, causing recovery issues and leading to elbow surgery in July.
He will ditch the newer pitch and stick to his old sweeper grip.
Schmidt's new deal is that he won't be available until the second half of 2026 due to an internal brace procedure on his right elbow.
Once healthy, he'll likely pitch in the middle of the rotation after the All-Star break.
Framing: Headline emphasizes the game ('score, live updates and highlights'), not the pitcher injury updates. — Encouraging and neutral, with 'encouraging Yankees pitching news.'
Facts Included:
Left-handed pitcher Max Fried tossed four simulated innings (60 pitches) against live hitters on Monday, putting him in line for activation Saturday when the Yankees host the Red Sox in a day-night doubleheader.
Clarke Schmidt tossed a 20-pitch live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, putting him on track to begin a minor league rehab assignment by this weekend.
Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake said Schmidt looked sharp, with some good curveballs and a live fastball, noting the competition was weak as two coaches, including Brad Ausmus, were in the batter's box.
Manager Aaron Boone suggested rookie Elmer Rodriguez is likely to be recalled from Triple-A to start Wednesday night's game against the Astros.
Aaron Judge (fractured first right rib) began taking overhand indoor batting practice, graduating from last week's tee and toss swings, but is still without a public timeline to return, expected at some point in September.
Will Warren opposes fellow right-hander Ethan Pecko for Houston on Tuesday night.
Framing: Headline emphasizes Schmidt's eagerness to compete out of the bullpen as rehab assignment nears — Sympathetic and lighthearted, with quotes like 'eager to compete' and 'good to get out there and compete.'
Facts Included:
Clarke Schmidt threw live batting at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, facing bench coach Brad Ausmus and bullpen catcher Rainiero Coa.
Schmidt praised Coa's swing, saying he has a 'little hitterish' look, and joked about Ausmus's small strike zone.
Schmidt had not faced live hitters since forearm cramping cut his first live BP session short on Aug. 4.
He threw his entire arsenal over approximately 20 pitches and expects to begin a rehab assignment soon if he recovers well.
Schmidt hasn't pitched in a big league game since July 3 of last year.
He is working back from Tommy John surgery and will likely be used in a relief role, not starting.
The Yankees failed to acquire bullpen help before the trade deadline, so Schmidt could help.
Schmidt said he embraces the pressure of returning in a stretch run and expects to help the team get outs.
Boone said Schmidt could definitely help if he's on his game and that his health will be a priority.
Schmidt mentioned he and Boone discussed multi-inning role and ruled out back-to-back games.
His fastballs ranged from 94-95 mph in Tuesday's session.
Schmidt is adjusting his routine to fit a reliever's schedule.
Elmer Rodríguez, not officially promoted, had a locker in the clubhouse, and Boone said he is in play to start Wednesday.
Rodríguez has a 4.76 ERA over 17 innings in four big league starts this season, and a 2.59 ERA over 19 starts at Triple-A.
Pitching coach Matt Blake commented on Rodríguez's performance: attacking the zone, increased velo on sinker, and holding serve in Triple-A.
The Yankees added Binghamton native Justin Topa to the active roster, demoting Brendan Beck to Triple-A and placing Giancarlo Stanton on the 60-day IL to clear a roster spot.
Topa recorded an 8.05 ERA over 19 innings with the Twins this season.
AI-extracted; can misattribute a claim — see Methodology.
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status is Contested when two claims on this page negate each other; otherwise it counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimMax Fried tossed four simulated innings (60 pitches) against live hitters on Monday, putting him in line for activation Saturday when the Yankees host the Red Sox in a day-night doubleheader.
ClaimClarke Schmidt tossed a 20-pitch live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, putting him on track to begin a minor league rehab assignment by this weekend.
ClaimYankees pitching coach Matt Blake said Schmidt looked sharp, with some good curveballs and a live fastball, noting the competition was weak as two coaches, including Brad Ausmus, were in the batter's box.
ClaimAaron Judge (fractured first right rib) began taking overhand indoor batting practice, graduating from last week's tee and toss swings, but is still without a public timeline to return, expected at some point in September.
ClaimSchmidt is on track to progress to facing hitters before the All-Star break and figures to rejoin New York's pitching equation in the second half.
ClaimSchmidt said that he and the Yankees' pitching department broke his sweeper into two distinct breaking balls, including a new one designed for more horizontal break but requiring hard grip and torque, causing recovery issues and leading to elbow surgery in July.
ClaimThe Yankees added Binghamton native Justin Topa to the active roster, demoting Brendan Beck to Triple-A and placing Giancarlo Stanton on the 60-day IL to clear a roster spot.
ClaimYankees beat writer Gary Phillips reported on X that Schmidt threw on the mound today and Boone said he'll do that again on Friday, then possibly a live.
ClaimThe Yankees hope to have Schmidt be one of the pitchers on the injured list, along with Luis Gil and Angel Chivilli, as other options, and also the Yankees' second-best pitching prospect and No.4 overall prospect, Carlos Lagrange.
ClaimSchmidt reported cramping during a throwing session on Tuesday, August 4th, which was assessed and treated, and he returned to the mound a couple days later.
ClaimSchmidt was drafted in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft (16th overall) out of the University of South Carolina, posting a 4-2 record with 1.34 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 60 1/3 innings in 2017.
ClaimSchmidt's ceiling is a back-end starter type, but with limited workload, he could be a key bullpen piece for a Yankees team with offensive woes and injuries.