Clarke Schmidt sidelined due to biceps cramping in Yankees' loss

PHOENIX — Clarke Schmidt, who returned from Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, experienced cramping in his right biceps while warming up on Sunday, which prevented him from participating in the Yankees' 8-4 loss to the Diamondbacks at Chase Field. "Nothing structural, it was more precautionary," Schmidt stated. He added, "Obviously given the circumstance, coming back from surgery, I don’t want to push through anything. All the testing was fine, nothing with the shoulder, nothing with the elbow. It was more a cramping-type feeling. I had nothing in catch play earlier today and in the previous days I’ve been feeling very strong. So just very, very minor, just precautionary." Schmidt was expected to see the Yankees’ team doctor upon their return home, but no tests were planned as of Sunday. Even if Schmidt is cleared, his situation highlights the Yankees' concerns regarding his role in the playoff bullpen, just 14 months after major surgery. After making his season debut on Wednesday, Schmidt warmed up in Saturday night’s game before manager Aaron Boone opted for Michael Fulmer, who allowed a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Schmidt was warming in the bullpen again in the top of the sixth on Sunday when the biceps issue arose, leading to Tim Hill pitching in that inning instead. "I’m hoping it’s not a big deal, but enough to have him not go into the game," Boone said. "We’ll see what we have there."