New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt appears to be on the mend after experiencing discomfort during a recent live batting practice session. Manager Aaron Boone stated Tuesday that the issue was "cramping" and that the team is "probably good to go" with his recovery.
Schmidt had to shorten his bullpen session on Tuesday due to what he believed and hoped was forearm cramping. He received treatment that day, and team doctors "didn't seem overly concerned," according to Boone. The pitcher was not scheduled to throw Wednesday but is expected to resume playing catch on Thursday, with a side session potentially following later in the weekend.
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Without further issues, Schmidt could soon be cleared for a rehabilitation assignment. His return to the pitching staff has gained importance for the Yankees, especially as general manager Brian Cashman opted not to upgrade the bullpen at the trade deadline, anticipating internal reinforcements.
In other injury news, outfielder Cody Bellinger took batting practice on the field for the first time since sustaining a hamstring strain on July 25. Bellinger is expected to miss four to six weeks. "That was a big step," Bellinger said, noting he has been feeling well but a return timetable remains unclear. He has been running in a straight line, though not at full speed, and still has multiple hurdles to overcome before a potential activation or rehab assignment.
Hew York also received a positive report on catcher Austin Wells, who has shown steady improvement over the past four weeks. Since July 9, Wells has posted a .931 OPS with four home runs in 18 games. Boone expressed optimism about Wells's performance, stating he is "getting closer to that version" of the player he can be, particularly in the lower part of the batting order.
The Yankees bullpen has been a strong point, pitching to a major-league-best 2.56 ERA over the last 55 games and holding opponents to a .200 batting average.