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Yankees Pitcher Keeps Minor League Tradition Cookin’ After Rehab Start

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 1:19 PM ET

Clarke Schmidt’s final rehab outing didn’t just bring much-needed relief for the Yankees’ rotation. It also delivered prime rib and Bloomin’ Onions to the entire Somerset clubhouse.

Schmidt, who’s set to rejoin the Yankees’ rotation on April 15 or 16, looked sharp in his final rehab start. And just as importantly, he honored one of baseball’s best traditions.

After the game, he treated the Double-A Somerset team—his teammates for two outings—to a full Outback Steakhouse spread.

“Some prime rib, some Bloomin’ Onion,” Schmidt told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “Can’t go wrong.”

It’s one of the great traditions in baseball. Major leaguers on rehab stints often pick up the postgame meal tab, a nod to the grind of the minors and a thank-you to the players who help them ramp up during a short stay. Schmidt, who came through the same system not long ago, clearly hasn’t forgotten.

And the good vibes weren’t limited to the kitchen.

On the mound, Schmidt struck out six and allowed just one hit over four scoreless innings. He missed the start of the season with back stiffness that lingered through spring training, but now appears ready to contribute.

He’ll return to a Yankees rotation battered by injuries and inconsistency. With Marcus Stroman awaiting results on a left knee issue and the rest of the staff scraping together innings, Schmidt’s timing couldn’t be better.

After a clean final tune-up and a steakhouse sendoff, Schmidt is ready to return to the big leagues. The Yankees will be grateful to have him back in the rotation; the Double-A team is just glad he continued a delicious tradition while he was there.

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

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