Clarke Schmidt returned to major league pitching on Wednesday for the first time in over a year, making his comeback from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander took the mound in the seventh inning of the New York Yankees’ 5-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins in 13 innings at Target Field. Schmidt delivered 24 pitches, including 13 strikes, struck out two batters, and allowed two bloop hits. His fastball reached a velocity of 95.8 mph.

“It’s been a long journey with many ups and downs,” Schmidt said afterward. “Really good to be able to get back out there.” Accompanied by his father, he appeared composed despite some initial nerves and adrenaline on the big league stage after rehabbing in the minors.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about Schmidt’s performance and potential role going forward. The team envisions Schmidt returning to a bullpen role, likely pitching limited innings to provide reliable innings down the stretch and during the playoffs. Boone noted that Schmidt probably will be used for one or slightly more innings per appearance and will not pitch on consecutive days.

In other pitching news for the Yankees organization, top prospect Carlos Lagrange was activated off the injured list at Triple-A after more than two months sidelined by a right shoulder capsular sprain. Lagrange, who has been transitioning from a starting pitcher to a reliever in hopes of bolstering the major league bullpen, struck out two batters in a scoreless inning during his first outing since the injury. His fastball reached 102.1 mph, an encouraging sign for his recovery despite increasing doubts about a major league call-up this season.

Meanwhile, outfielder Trent Grisham is progressing in his rehabilitation from a right hamstring strain. Boone reported that Grisham has reached a “pretty decent speed” in his running progression while continuing to practice baseball skills, though no timetable has been provided for his return to game action.