Yankees' starter Clarke Schmidt expected to undergo Tommy John surgery
Clarke Schmidt, a promising starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, is set to undergo Tommy John surgery following a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, as revealed by manager Aaron Boone at Citi Field on Saturday.
The injury, discovered on July 5, 2025, will likely rule Schmidt out for the remainder of the 2025 season and most, if not all, of the 2026 season, given the typical recovery timeline for Tommy John surgery, which ranges from 13 to 15 months.
This will be Schmidt's second Tommy John surgery; he previously had the procedure in 2017. His age, currently 29, and the usual rehabilitation process suggest that his return to full competitive pitching may not occur before late 2026 or possibly the 2027 season.
Despite the challenging news, Schmidt has maintained a positive attitude, according to Boone. In the 2025 season, Schmidt made 14 starts, securing a 4-4 record. He demonstrated impressive statistics, with a career-best 1.093 WHIP and an ERA of 3.32, along with 73 strikeouts in 78.2 innings pitched.
The Yankees, aware of Schmidt's value, may consider supporting his rehab with a short-term contract during this period. With Schmidt out, the team will need to find a replacement in the starting rotation.
Schmidt made his major league debut on April 16, 2025, but was later placed on the 15-day injured list due to discomfort in his forearm. Prior to the 2025 season, Schmidt dealt with right rotator cuff tendinitis.
In the coming days, more details regarding Schmidt's recovery process and potential return to the Yankees will emerge. Boone considers Schmidt a "really, really good starting pitcher" in the league, and his absence will undoubtedly be a significant blow to the team.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Tommy John surgery. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tommy-john-surgery/about/pac-20394997 [2] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (n.d.). Tommy John surgery. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/tommy-john-surgery/ [3] American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. (n.d.). Tommy John surgery. American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. https://www.sportsmed.org/patient/injury-recovery/elbow/tommy-john-surgery/
- Clarke Schmidt's recovery from his second Tommy John surgery might push his return to Major League Baseball (MLB) and the New York Yankees beyond the 2026 season, given that his rehabilitation typically lasts between 13 to 15 months.
- With Schmidt out for an extended period, the Yankees may find it necessary to reinforce their starting rotation in the midst of the 2025 MLB season.