The New York Yankees are in wait and see mode following another injury scare.
The New York Yankees have been absolutely ravaged by injuries this season. Their lineup, their pitching staff, everywhere.
But recently, the Yankees have been getting plenty of positive news on the health front.
Aaron Judge was cleared to begin light baseball activities. Giancarlo Stanton is getting close to being able to run the bases. Cody Bellinger is making good progress.
Then, there's pitcher Clarke Schmidt, who has been sidelined since last summer after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The hope was that Schmidt would return late this season and provide a big boost to New York's bullpen, and he appeared on track to do just that.
That was until Schmidt exited his most recent live batting practice session due to forearm cramping, forcing the Yankees to shut him down for a couple of days and then limit him to just playing catch.
Aaron Boone said he is hoping for Schmidt to get back on the mound this week, which would be vital for New York.
New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt. Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images.Remember: the Yankees did not acquire any relief pitchers at the MLB trade deadline, and Schmidt's return — as well as the eventual transition of one of Will Warren or Ryan Weathers to the bullpen — was a big reason why.
Schmidt had been a starter for New York the last three seasons, but he has experience coming out of the pen. He made 26 appearances a reliever back in 2022 and was effective in the role, and given all of his injury issues, plus the depth of the Yankees' rotation, Schmidt's days as a starter are probable over.
But New York has to actually get Schmidt healthy first, and that has been a trying exercise for several years now.
Schmidt's forearm cramping could be nothing. It could just be the result of the right-hander having not pitched in a year. Or it could be something pretty serious.
The Yankees will find out when Schmidt resumes bullpen sessions within the next few days, and it could ultimately determine just how good their relief pitching will be down the stretch this year.
New York has gotten terrific production out of arms like David Bednar, Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn. However, Fernando Cruz has faltered quite a bit lately, and Tim Hill has looked very mortal all season.
The Yanks need some depth for the latter innings, and Schmidt could certainly provide that for them. He just needs to get healthy, first.
