Clarke Schmidt strikes out three during second rehab outing with Somerset

Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt completed his second rehab appearance on Wednesday as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Pitching for the Double-A Somerset affiliate, Schmidt logged two innings and threw 23 pitches, 20 of which went for strikes. He allowed one run on two hits and recorded three strikeouts, an improvement from his initial rehab outing on August 29. After allowing a first-inning double that scored a run, he retired the side in order during the second inning. Schmidt is working to build arm strength for a bullpen role upon his return to the major league roster. The Yankees are currently incorporating multiple former starters into their relief corps to compensate for the loss of Fernando Cruz. It remains to be determined if Wednesday’s outing will serve as the final step in his rehabilitation program before he is activated.

• 12:06 AMYahoo Sports — Clarke Schmidt strikes out three in second rehab start as Yankees right-hander builds to bullpen role