NEW YORK — What began as a routine tightness in the forearm has quickly turned into one of the most devastating blows to the New York Yankees’ pitching rotation this season.
Right-hander Clarke Schmidt is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery after recent imaging revealed significant damage to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The 28-year-old was placed on the injured list earlier this week after feeling discomfort during warmups. Now, medical staff confirm the worst: his season is officially over — and his availability for 2026 is also in doubt.
“He was a huge part of our success early this year,” manager Aaron Boone told reporters. “This is tough for all of us, but especially for Clarke. He worked so hard to get to where he was.”
Before the injury, Schmidt had been enjoying a breakout campaign, boasting a 3.32 ERA over 14 starts, with improved command and rising confidence as a key piece of the Yankees’ rotation. Many viewed 2025 as his true arrival season.
But fate, as Schmidt now knows all too well, had different plans.
“I’m Not Done Yet” — Schmidt’s Quiet Fight to Reclaim the Mound
In a quiet moment following the diagnosis, Clarke Schmidt sat in the Yankees’ clubhouse long after his teammates had left. Eyes red, elbow iced, and mind racing — not with stats, but with memories.
“I remember my dad taking me to games as a kid, dreaming that someday I’d pitch under the lights. I got that dream. I don’t take it for granted.”
This isn’t Schmidt’s first battle with adversity. He underwent Tommy John surgery once before, in college. He came back. Stronger. Sharper. Now, the challenge is even greater — and so is the weight of expectation.
“It hurts, not just physically. I feel like I let the guys down. I let the fans down. I was finally getting into a rhythm.”
But beneath the pain is something deeper — a fire still burning.
“I’m not done. I’ve got a lot more left in me. I want to wear this jersey again. I want to win with this group.”
Schmidt says the days ahead will be tough. Another surgery. Months of rehab. Loneliness. But he’s motivated by more than just baseball.
“I’ve got a nephew who watches every one of my games. He calls me ‘Captain Clarke.’ I want him to know that even when life punches you hard, you stand back up.”
For now, the mound will have to wait. But don’t count Clarke Schmidt out just yet. His story isn’t over.
It’s just paused.