Clarke Schmidt Returns From Tommy John Surgery In Bullpen Role

Recently activated off the 60-day injured list after a 14-month recovery from Tommy John surgery, Clarke Schmidt made an emotional return in a 5-4 loss to the Twins. He tossed a scoreless seventh inning, striking out two while allowing two bloop hits on 24 pitches and topping out at 95.8 mph. The Yankees plan to use the right-hander exclusively in a bullpen role for single-inning stints down the stretch and into the postseason push without pitching on back-to-back days.