NEW YORK – Clarke Schmidt appears to be out of the Yankees’ postseason plans.
The right-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list on Thursday, retroactive to Monday, with right biceps neuritis. Schmidt has been shut down from throwing and would not be eligible to return before a potential American League Championship Series.
“He just wasn’t getting to a point where he could progress enough,” manager Aaron Boone said. “It does seem like it’s minor enough in scope that it’s not going to be anything that affects him long term. But as far as getting ready right now, he is just having a hard time getting to that next level.”
In a corresponding move, right-hander Bradley Hanner was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Schmidt was set to enter in the sixth inning against the D-backs on Sunday in Phoenix, but he cut short his warmups after experiencing what he described as a “cramping” sensation localized near his right biceps.
The 30-year-old right-hander made one relief appearance after returning from Tommy John surgery on Sept. 16, striking out two and allowing two hits over two-thirds of an inning.
Schmidt has a career record of 23-24 with a 3.81 ERA. In 2025, he went 4-4 with a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts.
“He’ll keep taking his time here,” pitching coach Matt Blake said. “If we keep going, he might put himself back in the mix. It’s tough to see him get this far and then not be able to contribute down the stretch.”
Schmidt had been frequently mentioned as a potential bullpen piece in the postseason, along with left-hander Ryan Weathers, who has been working to recover from a left forearm flexor strain.
The Yankees have also been discussing right-hander Carlos Lagrange, their No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline. Lagrange has yet to make his Major League debut, but he threw a live batting practice session on Wednesday as he recovers from a right capsule sprain.
Blake said that Wednesday’s live BP ruled Lagrange out from being added to the roster on Thursday, and the impending weekend weather that necessitated Saturday’s postponement would also play a factor.
Asked if he could envision Lagrange making his debut in the postseason, Blake replied: “There’s certainly a scenario where that happens. If it gets to that point, we’re probably in a bad spot. [That would mean] some guys have gone and he’s the next choice. But he’s certainly put his name in the mix.”