Just days after being placed on the 15-day IL with forearm tightness, Yankees’ $3.6 million starter received devastating news. His manager, Aaron Boone, broke the news to the media, revealing that early results point to a UCL tear. This means the Tommy John surgery is “likely.” While talking to the reporters, Boone said, “He is gonna have to probably have surgery… like Tommy John surgery. He’s gonna kind of get second opinions and things now. But yeah, not great news on that front, obviously.”
Of course, it’s Clarke Schmidt we’re talking about. He had proved to be solid for the Yankees, putting up a 2.85 ERA in 16 starts last season and looking to build on that momentum in 2025. His absence now leaves a big question mark in the Yankees’ rotation at a time when the club is reeling.
Already knocked into second place in the AL East after a sweep by the Blue Jays, the Yankees’ rotation is running thin. With Schmidt out long-term, Boone mentioned Cam Schlittler as a potential fill-in, while Marcus Stroman—fresh off an IL stint of his own—becomes a critical piece moving forward.
Aaron Boone says that Clarke Schmidt will likely need Tommy John Surgery: pic.twitter.com/ibmLNxE4Pc
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 5, 2025
The Yankees gave up 17 runs over 18 innings in their last four games. That, coupled with Schmidt’s injury situation, could force GM Brian Cashman to explore the trade market for starting pitching.
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