Yankees Reinstate Pitcher Clarke Schmidt After 14-Month Recovery
Right-hander rejoins bullpen with postseason aspirations following elbow surgery.
The New York Yankees have activated right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt from the injured list, bringing him back to the bullpen after a 14-month rehabilitation period following elbow surgery. The team aims to integrate the 30-year-old into their postseason plans.
Schmidt underwent a procedure on his ulnar collateral ligament on July 11, 2025, and began his minor league rehab assignment on August 29. Originally a first-round draft pick in 2017, Schmidt had been used exclusively as a starter since 2023. However, with the team's rotation solidified by pitchers like Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, and Gerrit Cole, Schmidt will transition to a relief role.
"It's been a long journey, a lot of work that goes into this. A lot of long days, early mornings," Schmidt said. "I've just been itching to come back." He expressed his eagerness to rejoin the team before Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Twins.
To make space on the 40-man roster for Schmidt, the Yankees designated utility player Oswaldo Cabrera for assignment. Cabrera had missed a significant portion of the 2025 season due to a severe ankle injury.
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Cabrera's popularity and contribution, stating, "I’m blessed to have a lot of guys on this team that you just admire and respect and love doing the job with on a daily basis. Oswaldo’s right there at the top of that list."