Clarke Schmidt, the New York Yankees starting pitcher, believes a change in his pitching grip was a significant factor in the arm problems that prematurely ended his 2025 season. Although he remains focused on his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Schmidt has acknowledged that a midseason adjustment to his breaking ball grip put unexpected strain on his arm, contributing to the injury that sidelined him after only 14 starts.
The Yankees’ right-hander explained that the grip modification was intended to improve his sweeper pitch by inducing more horizontal movement, especially to challenge right-handed batters more effectively. Yet, this tweak, introduced during his May 6 start against the San Diego Padres, required a much tighter grip and increased torque on his forearm.
Details of the Grip Change and Its Effect on Performance
Schmidt and the Yankees pitching staff decided to develop a new version of his sweeper early in the season, leading to two variations of the breaking ball. The new grip was designed to enhance horizontal break, but the increased physical demand on Schmidt’s forearm gradually took its toll.
About a month after adopting this grip, Schmidt began experiencing soreness and difficulty recovering between starts, although he initially did not take the discomfort seriously and continued pitching through the pain. Despite the arm issues, he managed a notable 28.1-inning scoreless streak during June.
I think the No. 1 thing that played a factor was mid-season grip changes,
Schmidt said in an interview with the Daily News.
You make grip changes, and you start to really put different stress on different areas of your forearm and stuff like that.
I was getting a lot of really good results with it, so it’s hard to be like, ‘Oh, let’s stop throwing it,’
Schmidt reflected regarding the new sweeper.
It was like a double-edged sword.
Plans to Revert to the Original Grip and Future Adjustments
Following his final start on July 3, Schmidt has committed to abandoning the newer sweeper grip and returning exclusively to his previous pitching style. Looking ahead, he intends to implement any future grip changes or new pitches during the offseason, a less risky period when his arm is being rebuilt and not under in-season stress.
This strategic adjustment aims to prevent a recurrence of the arm strain that delayed his season last year.
Current Progress and Outlook on Recovery
Clarke Schmidt is currently in the midst of rehabilitation after undergoing the internal brace version of Tommy John surgery. He has been throwing at 90 feet in Yankees spring training camp, focusing heavily on refining his pitching mechanics to reduce pressure on his recovering arm. Schmidt expects to begin bullpen sessions toward the end of spring training or shortly after and aims to return during the season’s second half, though he acknowledges that recovery timelines remain uncertain.
Obviously, I have goals and check marks that I want to hit, as far as when I want to come back and stuff like that, but it’s not written in stone,
Schmidt said, emphasizing his cautious approach. He also revealed he plans to stay in Tampa after camp to continue his rehab work.
Support System and Mental Approach During Rehabilitation
Schmidt has leaned on support from teammates and the Yankees’ medical staff throughout his recovery. Gerrit Cole, another Yankees pitcher, is further along from his own Tommy John recovery and has provided guidance. Anthony Volpe, who is recuperating from shoulder surgery, shares a similar rehabilitation journey within the team. Additionally, Joe Bello, the Yankees’ major league physical therapist and rehab coordinator, has been instrumental in Schmidt’s progress.
To supplement his physical rehab, Schmidt has studied the recovery routines of other athletes, including Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers running back and one of his personal inspirations.
Beyond physical healing, Schmidt has worked on improving his spirituality, sleep habits, diet, and mental focus, learning to live in the moment rather than dwell on setbacks or rush the recovery process.
I’m still learning, Schmidt acknowledged, explaining that staying present has become a key principle guiding his rehab.
Determination to Overcome Challenges and Return Stronger
Despite the frustration and challenges of watching his teammates prepare for Opening Day while he remains sidelined, Schmidt is determined not to let discouragement interfere with his comeback. Staying focused on his rehabilitation goals helps him block out feelings of missing out and fosters a stronger motivation.
You have to have goals and things that push you, but you can’t look too far ahead or reflect on the past, like, ‘Dang, I wish this didn’t happen’ or ‘Why me?’ It’s not like that at all,
Schmidt said. He continued, “I’m very hungry. I’m very driven, maybe more driven than I’ve ever been. Everything that I do right now is for baseball.
It’s like 24/7, this is all I care about. All I think about is recovering and getting back. So I don’t know how long I’ll feel like that, but I definitely feel very, very motivated, and I’m very happy with where I’m at.
