Yankees' Clarke Schmidt throws successful BP, but status as IL candidate still 'up in the air'

The good news for the Yankees is that Clarke Schmidt successfully completed a live batting practice session on Thursday without any hitches. The bad news is that he's still a potential injured list candidate once the regular season arrives next week.

While speaking to Anthony Reiber of Newsday, Schmidt acknowledged that his Opening Day status remains "up in the air," as he's not yet built up due to recent shoulder fatigue. The right-hander threw 32 pitches at Steinbrenner Field on Thursday, and faced a group of hitters that included Austin Wells, Dominic Smith, and Paul Goldschmidt.

Instead of starting Monday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Schmidt threw a bullpen session in Tampa. The 29-year-old threw 24 pitches then, and manager Aaron Boonetold reporters that it went well.

The chances of Schmidt beginning the 2025 campaign on the shelf are rather high, considering that the spring training window closes soon. Even if he builds up to 50 pitches in his next outing -- and without any setbacks -- it's not the workload required for a starter. The Yankees will undoubtedly err on the side of caution, despite the encouraging progress.

Schmidt's lone start of camp took place on March 11 against the Baltimore Orioles. He threw 38 pitches (23 strikes) and allowed three runs on four hits while striking out four.