TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees pitching prospect Chase Hampton is facing a flexor strain in his right elbow for the second consecutive year, which raises concerns about the potential need for Tommy John surgery.
Manager Aaron Boone mentioned the issue emerged during a bullpen session on Friday when the 23-year-old right-handed pitcher reported discomfort.
“He’s dealing with some elbow discomfort, resulting in a flexor strain and some issues with the UCL,” Boone explained. “We expect to have more information on his condition within the next day or two.”
Hampton was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 amateur draft from Texas Tech, signing for a $497,500 bonus. He was previously recognized as the Yankees’ sixth-best prospect and second among pitchers by MLB.com last year.
In 2023, Hampton posted a record of 4-3 with a 3.63 ERA over 20 starts for both Class A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset, striking out 145 batters in 106 2/3 innings. However, he was sidelined for the first half of the previous season due to a flexor strain, returning to pitch on July 1 with a record of 0-1 and a 2.41 ERA in seven starts, fanning 16 over 18 2/3 innings. He did not appear in any games after August 10 due to a lower body injury.
“He faced challenges last year due to injuries and is understandably disappointed about it,” Boone stated. “We’ll assess the situation further and aim to rectify it.”
Hampton is participating in big league camp after receiving an invitation for the second year in a row.
Meanwhile, Clarke Schmidt, who is projected to be the Yankees’ fifth starter, has encountered a minor setback following his latest throwing session.
“He’s just dealing with a slight issue with his back,” Boone reported. “It’s not believed to be serious.”
Last season, Schmidt recorded a 5-5 record with a 2.85 ERA across 16 starts but missed time between late May and early September due to a strained right lat muscle. He also made the start for Game 3 of the World Series.
Boone indicated that Schmidt should be ready to throw a bullpen session on Friday, which coincides with the day after the pitcher’s 29th birthday.
In other news, Marcus Stroman will make his debut start for the Yankees in their spring training opener against the Tampa Bay Rays after sitting out the initial two voluntary workouts last week.
“His bullpen sessions have been quite intense and contain a lot of volume, which means he’s prepared to take the mound,” Boone said.
Stroman is expected to pitch for one inning. Since arriving at camp, he has asserted his intention to remain a starting pitcher.
Assuming no injuries occur, the New York rotation will likely consist of Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Schmidt.
At 33 years old, Stroman finished his first season with the Yankees with a record of 10-9 and a 4.31 ERA, making 29 starts along with one relief outing. He did not participate in the postseason due to a slump in September.
Stroman is set to earn $18 million in the second year of a $37 million, two-year contract, which includes a conditional player option for 2026, activated if he pitches at least 140 innings this season.
