Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 18

Yankees' Clarke Schmidt Faces Live Hitters 1 Year After Second Tommy John Surgery

Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 18

Yankees' Clarke Schmidt Faces Live Hitters 1 Year After Second Tommy John Surgery

Q: Amid a losing streak and key injuries, what trade will the Yankees make to save their season?

The Yankees’ most likely season-saving trade is for a bat at catcher, with Minnesota’s Ryan Jeffers standing out as the clearest fit. That is where the need is most urgent and the reporting is most consistent. New York’s catching production has been among the worst in baseball, and Brian Cashman has openly identified catcher as a problem. Jeffers gives them exactly what they lack: a right-handed hitter with real offensive impact, and he has repeatedly been linked to the Yankees. If healthy enough to return around the deadline, he is the most practical upgrade. The Yankees are also expected to add bullpen help, and a high-leverage reliever such as Mason Miller is the kind of move that could materially change their outlook. But Miller would likely cost far more in prospects, and New York’s farm system is not deep enough to make that the easiest path. A blockbuster for Tarik Skubal would be even more transformative, but it is less realistic for the same reason. Aaron Judge’s rib fracture changes the equation. With Judge out until at least late summer and the offense slipping during the losing streak, the Yankees need immediate run production more than a speculative long-term play. That is why Jeffers, or a similar right-handed catching bat such as Hunter Goodman if Colorado engages, makes the most sense. So if New York makes one trade aimed directly at stabilizing the season, expect it to be a catcher-led offensive upgrade, with Jeffers the most credible target.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 18

A 15-pitch session against live hitters marked Clarke Schmidt’s latest rehab step, one year and one week after his second Tommy John surgery.
Schmidt said the outing went smoothly and has moved into a throwing program every four to five days, with Saturday’s work limited to fastballs and reduced effort despite touching 95 mph in warmups.
The right-hander said he expects to pitch in the majors this season and is open to either a rotation or bullpen role as New York chases the pennant.
Aaron Judge, out since May 31 with a right rib fracture, still has not been cleared for baseball activities and was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
Max Fried also advanced in his recovery, coming through a 52-pitch Triple-A rehab start well and lining up for another outing Thursday before the Yankees decide on a return.