Yankees reveal optimistic Clarke Schmidt injury update before Astros series

The New York Yankees may have a key piece of their pitching staff back in the mix sooner rather than later. Right-hander Clarke Schmidt made just 14 starts in 2025 after tests revealed he required Tommy John Surgery. The 30-year-old has thrown a few bullpens, but the Yankees haven't sent him on a rehab assignment yet. That may soon change. "Clarke Schmidt will throw a live BP session on Tuesday," MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reported. "Assuming it goes well, he'd then begin a Minor League rehab assignment." Since Schmidt has been out for over a year, the Yankees plan to build him up as a reliever rather than a starter. Recently, the Yankees lost left-hander Ryan Weathers to the 15-day IL with a left forearm flexor strain.MORE: Dodgers and Mets predicted to be only teams active in Tarik Skubal’s fr