Clarke Schmidt made a surprise appearance in the Yankees’ clubhouse on Monday, speaking to reporters for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery on July 11.

Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt says he's aiming to return after next year's All-Star break. Schmidt underwent an internal brace procedure on the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow just over two weeks ago.

Schmidt had the surgery performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas on July 11 and was told the recovery would take about a year. "When they say Tommy John, it's kind of like an umbr