Clarke Schmidt throws live BP at Yankee Stadium as rehab work continues

Clarke Schmidt threw live batting practice at Yankee Stadium, facing Brad Ausmus in the session, Bryan Hoch reported. Aaron Judge ran in right field during the workout. The live BP session suggests Schmidt is progressing through a rehab program, though the club has not announced a timeline for his return to the active roster.

What happened

Schmidt faced hitters in a live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium, with Ausmus stepping into the batter's box. The appearance of the former big-league catcher and manager in the drill added a wrinkle to what is typically a routine step in a pitcher's return from injury or absence. Judge, meanwhile, was running in right field during the same workout window.

Live BP represents a middle stage in a pitcher's rehab progression, typically following bullpen sessions and preceding minor-league rehab assignments. The format allows a pitcher to face live hitters in a controlled environment before returning to game action.

Why it matters

Schmidt has been a rotation piece for the Yankees this season, and his absence has required the club to shuffle its pitching depth. The live BP session indicates he is advancing through the rehab process, though the Yankees have not specified what injury or condition has kept him off the active roster.

The timing of Schmidt's work comes as the Yankees prepare for a three-game series against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium. Will Warren is slated to start Tuesday night, followed by Elmer Rodríguez on Wednesday and Gerrit Cole on Thursday. Schmidt's eventual return would add depth to a rotation that has leaned on Cole and a mix of other arms down the stretch.

The presence of Ausmus in the drill is a reminder of the club's internal resources. Ausmus, who managed the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels before joining the Yankees' front office, has occasionally stepped into on-field roles during workouts. His experience as a catcher makes him a useful stand-in for live BP sessions when the club wants to give its active catchers a break or when a pitcher is working on specific sequences.

Where the club stands

The Yankees enter the week with an 81-61 record, sitting second in the AL East, four games behind the division leader. They hold the top Wild Card spot in the American League, with a +9.5 cushion relative to the cut line. The club is riding a one-game winning streak as it opens a homestand against the Astros.

The rotation picture for the series is set, with Warren, Rodríguez, and Cole scheduled to start. Schmidt's absence has meant the Yankees have cycled through a mix of starters and bulk relievers to fill out the back end of the rotation. His return would provide another established arm as the club pushes toward the postseason.

The Yankees have roughly three weeks remaining in the regular season. The schedule includes the three-game set against Houston, followed by additional opponents before the season ends. The club's Wild Card position is secure for now, but the division race remains within reach if the Yankees can string together wins and the leader stumbles.

What we don't know yet

The Yankees have not disclosed the nature of Schmidt's injury or absence, nor have they announced a timeline for his return to the active roster. Live BP is a step forward, but it does not guarantee an imminent activation. Pitchers typically progress from live BP to minor-league rehab assignments, where they face game conditions and build up their pitch counts before rejoining the big-league club.

It is unclear how many more rehab steps Schmidt will need before he is ready to pitch in a major-league game. The club has not said whether he will require a minor-league assignment or whether he could return directly to the Yankees' roster if his live BP sessions go well.

The Yankees also have not specified whether Schmidt is expected to return as a starter or in a different role. His workload and pitch count during the live BP session were not disclosed, so it is difficult to gauge how far along he is in his recovery.

What to watch

Schmidt's next steps will determine when he can rejoin the Yankees. If the live BP session went well, the club could send him on a minor-league rehab assignment in the coming days. Pitchers on rehab assignments can throw up to 30 days in the minors before they must be activated or moved to a different roster status.

The Yankees' rotation needs will also shape Schmidt's return. With Warren, Rodríguez, and Cole lined up for the Astros series, the club has its immediate starters in place. But the depth behind those three remains a question, and Schmidt's return would give the Yankees another option as they navigate the final weeks of the regular season.

Judge's presence on the field during the workout is another data point to track. The outfielder has been a fixture in the Yankees' lineup this season, and his participation in running drills suggests he is maintaining his conditioning during the homestand. The Yankees have not indicated any injury concern with Judge, and his running work appears to be part of the club's routine maintenance for its everyday players.

The Astros series begins Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees will look to extend their winning streak and chip away at the division lead while Schmidt continues his rehab work behind the scenes.