QUEENS, NY — Tommy John surgery is “inevitable” for New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt, manager Aaron Boone revealed on Saturday at Citi Field before the Subway Series game against the Mets.
“He’s getting second opinions, but not great news,” Boone said. “We’ll see what happens in the next few days.”
Schmidt was placed on the 15-day injured list after feeling forearm discomfort during his start on Thursday in Toronto. Imaging showed damage to his UCL.
This will be Schmidt’s second Tommy John surgery; he first underwent the procedure in 2017.
“He’s in good spirits,” Boone mentioned, noting that Schmidt is still with the team in Queens. “He’s devastated but focused on getting it fixed and starting rehab.”
Schmidt previously dealt with right rotator cuff tendinitis, delaying his 2025 season start. Since debuting on April 16, he has been a reliable middle-of-the-rotation pitcher for the Yankees.
In 14 starts, he was 4-4 with a 3.32 ERA, a career-best 1.093 WHIP, and 73 strikeouts in 78.2 innings. Since 2024, his ERA has been 3.07.
“He’s become a really good starting pitcher,” Boone said. “It’s a tough blow, but we need to absorb it, get others back in the mix, and create an opportunity for someone else.”
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