This summer, the Yankees are burning—not from the heat, but from a slump. In the last game against the Blue Jays, they not only lost, but their right arm left the mound after just three innings. As Clarke Schmidt got closer to the dugout, the tension grew. Everyone had one question: Is he injured? In three innings, he gave up four hits and three runs on 55 pitches, struggling with his speed and command. “Early on in the game, it felt OK. As the game progressed, it started to tighten up on me,” Schmidt explained.
The Blue Jays took advantage, pressuring the Yankees’ defense. He didn’t return for the fourth inning, and Clayton Beeter came in from the bullpen. Despite the offense’s efforts, New York lost 8–5, marking another tough AL East defeat. More than the loss, the stress was more about the pitcher. Well, Aaron Boone has finally spoken up.
Aaron Boone, manager of the Yankees, admitted that the pain wasn’t a one-time thing: “his forearm tightened up.” Boone had noticed some problems starting to show up in the last few games. Usually, these problems showed up later in the game, but this time they showed up early and without warning. When talking with YES Network, Boone provided an update. He said, “will get an MRI tomorrow, and hopefully not something serious.”
Amidst this update, Schmidt admitted his disappointment. “Anytime you’re getting an MRI on your forearm, you’re not feeling happy about it. I’m praying everything is going to be clean and minor, but we’ll see what happens.”
Aaron Boone with the latest on Clarke Schmidt following his early exit Thursday due to right forearm tightness. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/mheumgcDWD
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) July 4, 2025
So far, Clarke Schmidt has been doing great on the mound. With a 3.09 ERA in 13 starts and a 4–4 record, he strengthened a middle of the rotation that isn’t strong enough without Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil. Besides that, he once went 28 1/3 innings without giving up a run, which was the Yankees’ longest streak since 1951.
In the post-game, Schmidt was asked about the injury. He said, “Early on…the game progressed, it started to tighten up on me.” A wise decision to leave before risking more. However, he was concerned about the MRI result. As Boone said, “This could end up being an IL situation, even if it’s minor.”
It won’t be wrong to say the Yankees have been walloped, and the Schmidt situation is not making anything simple. The front office needs to make quick decisions with the trade deadline approaching…
As Schmidt exits early, Yankees eye $15.5m ace to patch rotation
The Yankees are in a tough spot right now. Especially because Clarke Schmidt just left, and there are still problems in the starting rotation. Amid all this, the trade rumors are flying. One name is getting a lot of attention. Freddy Peralta is the Brewers’ top pitcher. He had a career-high 2.90 ERA over 93 innings in 2025. Gerrit Cole is still in IL, and Schmidt is waiting for MRI results. This possible deal could be the key to the New York Yankees’ comeback story.
Photo via Freddy Peralta – Instagram/ credits: Shepherd Express
Peralta isn’t just a collection of impressive statistics; he’s also affordable. His salary for 2025 is $8 million, and he has an option for 2026. For a team aiming to make the playoffs, this is a unique opportunity to acquire high-quality pitching without jeopardizing its future. This kind of strategic move is precisely what Brian Cashman and his team are known for: minimal risk with the potential for a high reward.
Milwaukee, on the other hand, isn’t afraid to use talent. The Brewers are allegedly ready to talk about trades because they want to make the playoffs and have a full rotation. That sets the stage for a high-stakes trade: New York’s best prospects for Milwaukee’s dependable arm.
If Peralta comes, he would fit right in, which would help Rodon, Stroman, and anyone else who has to fill in for Schmidt if he goes on the IL. Can he become that anchor?
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