UPDATE: New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt is setting his sights on a return after the 2024 All-Star break following a successful internal brace procedure on his ulnar collateral ligament. The surgery, performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas on July 11, 2023, aims to expedite Schmidt’s recovery and minimize downtime.
Speaking just over two weeks post-operation, Schmidt shared encouraging details about his condition. “It wasn’t a full reconstruction,” he explained, referring to the nature of the procedure. “They just reattached the ligament to the bone, which is very encouraging.” His prognosis suggests a recovery timeline of approximately 11 to 13 months, a significant reduction compared to the typical 14 to 16 months for a full Tommy John surgery.
Schmidt’s journey has been tumultuous, having first experienced soreness during a game against the Cleveland Guardians on June 4. He made five subsequent starts, culminating in a stellar performance where he threw 103 pitches over seven hitless innings against the Baltimore Orioles on June 21. However, his season was cut short due to forearm soreness that led to his surgery.
With a record of 4-4 and a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts this season, Schmidt was seen as a key player for the Yankees. His previous experience with Tommy John surgery in May 2017, shortly before being drafted 16th overall by the Yankees, adds a layer of resilience to his current situation.
As the Yankees gear up for the remainder of the season, Schmidt’s optimistic outlook offers hope. “I know I’ll definitely be a factor next year,” he stated confidently, as he prepares for a comeback that fans eagerly anticipate. His journey highlights not just personal determination but also the broader impact on the Yankees’ pitching lineup for the upcoming season.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Schmidt embarks on this recovery journey. The Yankees are set to open a crucial four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, and the team’s dynamics will undoubtedly shift as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their promising young arms.
Stay tuned for updates on Schmidt’s rehabilitation progress and the Yankees’ performance as they aim for postseason contention.
