Former first-round MLB draft pick could join Yankees in new role after lengthy absence

The New York Yankees could soon get another potential boost to their pitching staff, as former first-round
MLB draft pick Clarke Schmidt is nearing the next major step in his recovery.

The right-hander is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session Tuesday, and if everything goes well, he will begin a as he works toward a potential MLB return.

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Schmidt is finally nearing a rehab assignment

Schmidt has spent the entire 2026 season recovering from the internal brace procedure he underwent on his right elbow in July 2025. He began throwing from a mound earlier this year and reached the live-hitter stage in July, but his recovery suffered a minor setback when forearm cramping forced him to cut short a live BP session on Aug. 4.

The Yankees have since gradually ramped him back up. Schmidt has returned to mound work and is now scheduled for another live BP session Tuesday. If he gets through that without an issue, the next step will be actual game action in the Minors.

That’s a significant development for a pitcher who has been away from the Major Leagues for more than a year.

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Yankees could use Schmidt in the bullpen

The Yankees have already indicated that Schmidt is preparing to return as a reliever rather than immediately stepping back into the starting rotation. Manager Aaron Boone said that plan could change, but the organization is currently looking at Schmidt as a bullpen option.

That could make plenty of sense given where Schmidt is in his recovery. Rather than asking him to immediately build back toward a starter’s workload, the Yankees can potentially use him in shorter outings while allowing him to continue strengthening his arm.

Schmidt has experience in that role, too. He made 26 of his 29 appearances as a reliever in 2022, posting a 2.74 ERA over 46 innings while holding opponents to a .202 batting average.

The Yankees certainly aren’t going to rush him. But if Schmidt handles Tuesday’s live BP and then successfully completes his rehab assignment, a September return could be within reach. With New York dealing with multiple pitching injuries, getting a healthy Schmidt back for the stretch run could be extremely valuable.

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