Yankees turn to hyped rookie as Schmidt’s season ends with surgery

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The New York Yankees’ pitching woes spiraled deeper into chaos Saturday. Clarke Schmidt, their lone bright spot in a turbulent rotation, will “likely” need Tommy John surgery, manager Aaron Boone confirmed before the team’s dismal Subway Series defeat to the Mets.

Schmidt’s campaign is finished. His entire 2026 season hangs in the balance. The crushing blow strikes a franchise already reeling from ace Gerrit Cole’s March Tommy John procedure and Luis Gil’s ongoing lat strain that has sidelined him since spring training.

“It’s a tough blow,” Boone said. “He’s become a really good starting pitcher in this league.”

Promising season cut short by elbow damage

Schmidt was experiencing a breakthrough year before his body betrayed him once again. The 29-year-old posted an impressive 3.32 ERA through 14 starts covering 78 ²/₃ innings, serving as the Yankees’ most reliable arm in a makeshift rotation. His Thursday exit in Toronto ended an extraordinary 28 ¹/₃-inning scoreless run that featured seven hitless frames against Baltimore on June 21.

Boone disclosed that Schmidt had been secretly battling forearm discomfort since facing Cleveland on June 4. The organization carefully monitored his schedule, adding extra rest between appearances. Recent MRI imaging revealed ulnar collateral ligament damage in the identical elbow that required surgical repair in 2017.

“In a lot of ways, he’s obviously devastated,” Boone said. “But Clarke’s way is to flip the script. He’s already focused on getting it fixed and attacking the rehab.”

Yankees’ starting options reach critical low

Schmidt’s injury eliminates virtually all remaining depth from the Yankees’ starting staff. The franchise now depends entirely on Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Will Warren, and an assortment of unproven alternatives to handle the workload.

Ryan Yarbrough continues battling his oblique injury without resuming throwing activities. Allan Winans, who provided an emergency start this season, cannot return under current roster regulations following his recent assignment.

The Yankees’ shrinking alternatives have forced a desperate promotion decision.

Rising prospect Schlittler earns unexpected opportunity

New York will call up 24-year-old Cam Schlittler this week to fill Schmidt’s rotation spot, with his major league debut scheduled for Tuesday or Wednesday against Seattle. The imposing 6-foot-6 right-hander was drafted in the seventh round during 2022 and has surged through the system with exceptional control and a sophisticated arsenal.

“He’s exciting,” Boone said Friday. “He got some really good opportunities in spring training and impressed. He’s come on fast and done a good job.”

Schlittler started this season at Double-A Somerset before receiving a June promotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Through 15 total appearances (14 starts) between both levels, he owns a 3.52 ERA. His only major setback occurred recently when he allowed seven runs over 2 ¹/₃ innings against Philadelphia’s affiliate.

Scouts maintain confidence despite that rough performance.

One NL scout told The Post that Schlittler’s velocity was impressive and his pitch mix had improved significantly since spring training. The scout acknowledged the timing wasn’t ideal but noted that Schlittler had been close to earning a promotion and would compete effectively at the major league level.

Yankees lose their most dependable arm

Schmidt’s departure creates a massive hole in the Yankees’ plans. The veteran wasn’t simply accumulating innings — he was excelling at an elite level. Before his shortened final outing, he completed six or more innings in eight of 13 starts while restricting opponents to a .210 batting average.

His exceptional performance since 2024 ranked him 18th in ERA (3.07) among all major league starters with a minimum of 160 innings pitched. This year’s success was especially remarkable given his three-month absence in 2024 due to lat strain and his 2025 season beginning on the injured list with rotator cuff tendinitis.

“Clarke’s obviously a huge part of this team,” said Max Fried. “He was putting up big innings, competing every time out. Even when he wasn’t 100 percent, you saw how good he could be. I’m excited to see him back fully healthy — that version of him could be even better.”

Major questions loom for Yankees

Schmidt’s setback exponentially increases pressure on general manager Brian Cashman before the July 31 deadline. New York had already been investigating bullpen and infield improvements, but Schmidt’s unavailability transforms starting pitching into an emergency requirement.

With just Fried, Rodón, and Warren providing reliable options, plus Schlittler entering completely untested waters, the Yankees face zero tolerance for additional problems.

Boone acknowledged the organization’s precarious position, stating that the team needed to absorb the loss and create opportunities for other players. He confirmed that management was actively exploring options to address the pitching shortage.

Schlittler will face intense scrutiny during his upcoming Yankee Stadium debut. While nobody anticipates immediate replacement of Schmidt’s elite production, the franchise desperately needs consistent innings and fresh energy for a pitching staff devastated by injuries and inconsistency.

Schmidt must now navigate specialist consultations before scheduling his procedure. An optimistic recovery places his return in late 2026, though spring 2027 represents a more realistic target.

The Yankees began this campaign believing organizational depth would overcome early health setbacks. They now encounter yet another pivotal moment in what has become an unrelenting series of obstacles.

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