Clarke Schmidt takes latest step toward return from Tommy John surgery in positive Yankees sign

Pitching reinforcements are on the way. Clarke Schmidt, coming off the second Tommy John surgery of his career, is making progress toward a return. On Saturday, before the Yankees-Dodgers game was postponed due to rain, Schmidt threw a simulated game for the first time during his rehabilitation. “It was great. I felt good. Nice and easy,” the right-hander said. “Felt like I was moving really well. Felt good to have some competition, compete again and get some cleats on the dirt. So I was excited.” The plan is for Schmidt to throw another simulated game in five days. Clarke Schmidt throws a pitch during a June 2025 start for the Yankees. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post He threw 15 pitches in this outing, but not any breaking balls. He wasn’t going full bore, on the advice of the medical staff,