Just days after being placed on the 15-day IL with forearm tightness, Yankees’ $3.6 million starter received devastating news. His manager, Aaron Boone, broke the news to the media, revealing that early results point to a UCL tear. This means the Tommy John surgery is “likely.” While talking to the reporters, Boone said, “He is gonna have to probably have surgery… like Tommy John surgery. He’s gonna kind of get second opinions and things now. But yeah, not great news on that front, obviously.”

Of course, it’s Clarke Schmidt we’re talking about. He had proved to be solid for the Yankees, putting up a 2.85 ERA in 16 starts last season and looking to build on that momentum in 2025. His absence now leaves a big question mark in the Yankees’ rotation at a time when the club is reeling.

Already knocked into second place in the AL East after a sweep by the Blue Jays, the Yankees’ rotation is running thin. With Schmidt out long-term, Boone mentioned Cam Schlittler as a potential fill-in, while Marcus Stroman—fresh off an IL stint of his own—becomes a critical piece moving forward.

The Yankees gave up 17 runs over 18 innings in their last four games. That, coupled with Schmidt’s injury situation, could force GM Brian Cashman to explore the trade market for starting pitching.

With Schmidt sidelined and the rotation running thin, New York isn’t just scrambling to patch holes—it’s actively evaluating every option on the board. And one rising name may offer a surprising fix from within.

Yankees turn to in-house firepower 

While the Yankees could look outside for pitching depth, all eyes have turned toward their own farm system. Cam Schlittler, a hard-throwing 24-year-old right-hander, has made a name for himself with dominant outings in Double-A and Triple-A. Posting a 2.82 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 76.2 innings, the former 7th-round pick is showing the kind of poise and power that front offices dream about. His strikeout rate—nearly 12 per nine innings—isn’t just impressive; it screams MLB-ready. Manager Aaron Boone has reportedly had his eye on him, and with the rotation falling apart, that opportunity might be knocking sooner than expected.

But it’s not just about numbers—it’s about timing. The Yankees are in a slump, having dropped five straight, and they can’t afford to fall further behind the Blue Jays. Schlittler’s addition would inject much-needed life into the staff without sacrificing trade assets. His triple-digit fastball and control could offer a strong bridge through July and beyond. In a landscape where injuries have left the Bombers reeling, Schlittler might just be the lightning bolt the team needs—and the solution already wearing pinstripes.

With Clarke Schmidt likely headed for Tommy John surgery and the rotation in shambles, the Yankees are standing at a crossroads. While trade talks will inevitably swirl, the answer might already be in their own backyard. Cam Schlittler’s electric surge offers hope—maybe even salvation—for a team in urgent need of a spark. Keep your eyes peeled, Yankees fans. A new chapter may be about to unfold from within.

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