Clarke Schmidt, the Yankees' right-hander, is optimistic about his recovery after undergoing a procedure on his pitching elbow's ulnar collateral ligament. Having avoided a full Tommy John reconstruction, Schmidt is aiming for a return after the All-Star break next season. He expressed relief that the surgery involved reattaching the ligament rather than replacing it, which can lead to a longer recovery.

This procedure comes after a season where Schmidt recorded a 3.32 ERA over 14 starts, showing potential as a solid pitcher. His journey began with discomfort during a game against the Guardians, leading to subsequent struggles and ultimately surgery. Schmidt's prior experience with Tommy John surgery adds depth to his current situation, as he compares it to a more straightforward recovery this time around.