New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery, according to manager Aaron Boone. The 29-year-old Schmidt’s season has ended due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
Schmidt had been dealing with elbow soreness since June 4 and tried to pitch through the discomfort. However, on Thursday, he exited after just three innings due to pain. An MRI exam revealed the extent of the injury, and Boone stated that surgery is “pretty much inevitable.”
This will be Schmidt’s second Tommy John surgery, which typically sidelines a pitcher for most of the following season. The Yankees have been dealt a significant blow to their starting rotation, with ace right-hander Gerrit Cole already undergoing surgery in March.
With Schmidt out, the Yankees will need to find a replacement for his next start. Internal options include veterans Carlos Carrasco and Allan Winans, as well as 24-year-old prospect Cam Schlittler. The team may also explore the market before the July 31 trade deadline to bolster their rotation.
Manager Boone expressed disappointment at the news, saying Schmidt is “become a really, really good starting pitcher in this league.” He emphasized that every team faces setbacks and urged fans to remain hopeful for the team’s future.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45677677/yankees-boone-tj-surgery-schmidt-pretty-much-inevitable