Yankees Lose Pitcher for Entirety of MLB Playoffs

Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Yankees Lose Pitcher for Entirety of MLB Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Oct 1, 2026 9:00 AM ET

The New York Yankees are moving forward without Clarke Schmidt for the rest of the 2026 postseason. After working to return from a major elbow procedure, the right-hander has run out of time to join the team’s October push.

Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Wednesday that Schmidt has been shut down for the remainder of the season. The 30-year-old had been dealing with right biceps neuritis, an issue that interrupted his comeback just as he was trying to get ready for the playoffs.

Schmidt’s absence is another setback for a Yankees pitching staff preparing for the American League Division Series. New York will have to make its postseason run without a pitcher who was expected to provide another option as the team navigates October.

Clarke Schmidt is shut down for the rest of season, Aaron Boone said. #Yankees
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) September 30, 2026

Schmidt returned to the majors on Sept. 16 against the Minnesota Twins, making his first big league appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery in July 2025. He allowed two hits and struck out two over two-thirds of an inning in that outing.

The Yankees placed him on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 24, retroactive to Sept. 21. The club initially hoped he might have a chance to return later in the postseason, but his recovery did not progress quickly enough.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Schmidt’s return was a long-awaited milestone after a second Tommy John surgery. However, the biceps issue prevented him from building up enough to contribute during the most important stretch of the season.

New York will now have to rely on its available arms as it moves deeper into the playoffs. Schmidt’s focus shifts to getting healthy for 2027, while the Yankees continue their pursuit of a championship without him.

ALSO SEE: MLB Playoff Betting: Best Wild Card Round Predictions for Wednesday, Sept. 30

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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