The New York Yankees are nearing Clarke Schmidt’s return from Tommy John surgery, with the right-hander expected to make one more rehab appearance before rejoining the major league roster.
Manager Aaron Boone said Schmidt is scheduled for another rehab outing Saturday, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. If the assignment goes smoothly, Schmidt could be activated next week.
The additional appearance should give Schmidt enough time to prepare for a potential postseason role, though the Yankees have not yet determined where he will fit in their starting rotation.
If Schmidt can regain the form he showed last season, he could provide a significant boost to New York’s pitching staff. The seven-year veteran finished 2025 with a 3.32 ERA, a 1.093 WHIP and 73 strikeouts across 78.2 innings.
With 16 regular-season games remaining, Schmidt could make two or three starts before the playoffs. Based on the current timeline, his 2026 debut could come in mid-to-late September, potentially during the Yankees’ series against the Minnesota Twins or their following matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks.