Yankees Pitcher Clarke Schmidt Faces Tommy John Surgery, Adding to Team’s Injury Woes

The New York Yankees continue to grapple with mounting challenges, particularly on the injury front. The latest blow to the team comes as starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt is set to face the likelihood of undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Saturday that Schmidt will likely require the procedure, as reported by local media sources. This surgery would not only sideline the 29-year-old for the remainder of the current MLB season but also likely keep him off the field throughout the next season.

Schmidt has been pivotal for the Yankees this year, posting an impressive 3.32 ERA across 14 games. Over the course of the season, he notably set a franchise record by pitching 28 and one-third consecutive scoreless innings. However, if he indeed needs surgery, it would mark the second time Schmidt has endured this operation in his career.

The right-handed pitcher previously had Tommy John surgery in May 2017, shortly before the Yankees selected him in the first round of that year’s MLB Draft after he played for the University of South Carolina.

Schmidt expressed concern prior to receiving the results of his MRI, stating, “Any time you’re getting an MRI on your forearm, or whatever the body part is, you’re not feeling happy about it.” This reflects a common sentiment among athletes when facing potential serious injuries.

Initially, Schmidt was placed on the injured list due to right forearm soreness, a condition he reported first experiencing during his outing on June 4 against the Cleveland Guardians. In that game, Schmidt managed to pitch only three innings before exiting due to pain.

In that brief appearance against the Guardians, he allowed three earned runs on four hits, underscoring his struggle to stay healthy and effective on the mound.

Yankees Rotation Faces Uncertainty

With Schmidt potentially out for an extended period, the Yankees’ starting rotation is now in a precarious position. Max Fried and Carlos Rodon are regarded as a formidable one-two punch, yet the overall composition of the rotation is concerning. Question marks loom large as the team looks to maintain a competitive edge.

Ryan Yarbrough is currently sidelined with an oblique injury, and reports indicate he has not begun throwing again. The reigning American League Rookie of the Year, Luis Gil, threw to hitters for the first time on June 21 as he resumes activity following a lat injury.

Challenges Ahead for the Yankees

Furthermore, Marcus Stroman, who recently returned from the injured list with a knee issue, has struggled. His performance includes a 7.45 ERA across five starts this season, raising concerns about his ability to deliver reliable innings. In addition, rookie Will Warren has flashed potential but has also faced difficulties with a 5.02 ERA in his 18 starts.

To address the void left by Schmidt, the Yankees are calling up Cam Schlittler, who has demonstrated a strong performance this season. Schlittler maintains a 3.52 ERA over 15 games, including 14 outings as a starter, in Double-A and Triple-A leagues.

The new rotation may consist of Fried, Rodon, Stroman, Warren, and Schlittler. However, this collection of pitchers still faces the daunting task of stabilizing a Yankees team that has lost five consecutive games.

Falling from First Place

The Yankees have now fallen out of first place in the American League East for the first time since April, currently trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by two games. Their record, sitting at 48 wins and 40 losses, reflects a season filled with struggles.

Looking ahead, the Yankees will seek to end their losing streak against the New York Mets in the second game of their three-game series on Saturday. The game is scheduled to commence at 4:10 p.m. ET.

These developments further illustrate the ongoing challenges for the Yankees in their quest for success this season. As the team faces adversity, fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on how the organization handles these difficulties in the coming weeks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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