NEW YORK -- Clarke Schmidt and Ryan McMahon spent their Saturday evening down the New Jersey Turnpike, suiting up for the Double-A Somerset Patriots against the Akron Rubber Ducks.
Making his first Minor League rehab appearance as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, Schmidt started the game and threw 20 pitches, surrendering a two-run homer to Aaron Walton -- the Guardians’ No. 9 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.
Schmidt permitted two hits, walked none and struck out two. The Yankees are aiming to have Schmidt rejoin the team sometime in September, when he’ll be used as a reliever.
“I’m excited to compete,” Schmidt said. “I just want to get back on the mound and pitch a little bit this year, and get ready for a full season next year.”
Schmidt, 30, is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, an internal brace procedure performed in July 2025.
The right-hander said he has been following a path forged by Gerrit Cole, who enjoyed an almost seamless recovery from a similar procedure to hit the ground running, posting a 7-7 record and 3.19 ERA in 17 starts.
“There’s a learning curve coming out of it, but you see it’s working for Gerrit,” Schmidt said. “He puts his pants on just like I do. We’re all human here. I’m a competitor, so that’s what I’m going to rely on.”
McMahon went hitless in three at-bats, striking out twice in his first game action after he sustained a Grade 2 sprain of his left thumb on Aug. 19 at Baltimore.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said McMahon, 31, is scheduled to travel with the team after Sunday’s game. He will likely be activated on Sept. 1, when rosters expand to 28 players.
“We figure while he’s ready to go, he’ll get some at-bats and a game in and then he’ll fly with us to California,” Boone said.