Yankees release fan favorite player & promote former top prospect in corresponding move

The New York Yankees made a surprising MLB roster move Wednesday, parting ways with one of the organization’s most popular players while bringing back a pitcher who could become an important postseason piece.

New York reinstated right-hander Clarke Schmidt from the 60-day injured list and designated utility player Oswaldo Cabrera for assignment.

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Yankees bring Clarke Schmidt back from long injury absence

Jul 3, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (36) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Schmidt is finally back after missing more than 14 months while recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. The 30-year-old right-hander last pitched for the Yankees on July 3, 2025, and now returns with the club preparing for the postseason.

Schmidt won’t immediately return to the starting rotation. With Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole established in the rotation, the Yankees plan to use Schmidt out of the bullpen while monitoring his workload. He made five rehab appearances between Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Double-A Somerset, allowing three runs across seven innings.

Before his injury, Schmidt had emerged as an important member of New York’s pitching staff. He went 4-4 with a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts in 2025 and owns a 3.82 ERA across 393⅓ innings in his Yankees career.

MORE: Blue Jays announce pitching changes ahead of clash with AL Wild Card contenders

Oswaldo Cabrera becomes the roster casualty

Mar 6, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees infielder Oswaldo Cabrera (95) is congratulated after scoring a run during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Unfortunately for Cabrera, someone had to lose his roster spot to make room.

The Yankees designated the 27-year-old for assignment after he spent most of the 2026 season at Triple-A. Cabrera hit .288 with 19 home runs and 69 RBIs in 122 games for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, while playing multiple positions.

Cabrera has also been a genuine fan and clubhouse favorite during his Yankees tenure. He played parts of five seasons in the Bronx and appeared in 304 games, hitting .232 with 20 home runs and 95 RBIs.

His 2026 MLB opportunities were limited to just three games and nine at-bats, but his strong Triple-A season should make him an intriguing option for another organization if he is claimed off waivers.

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