Clarke Schmidt Set to Join Yankees Bullpen After 14-Month Absence

New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt is expected to be activated during this week's series in Minnesota, making his 2026 debut in a bullpen role. Returning 14 months after UCL internal brace surgery, Schmidt completed five rehab outings, striking out 11 over seven innings while hitting 96 mph on the radar gun. Manager Aaron Boone expects the 30-year-old to compete for a postseason roster spot as a multi-inning reliever.