Yankees' Clarke Schmidt Targets Mid-2026 Return Following Elbow Surgery

Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt is aiming to return after the 2026 All-Star break, approximately 11-13 months after undergoing an internal brace procedure on the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow on July 11. The surgery, performed by Dr. Keith Meister, involved reattaching the ligament to the bone rather than a full reconstruction. Schmidt, who had been 4-4 with a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts this season, experienced forearm soreness that led to his exit from a July 3 start.