The New York Yankees have ruled out right-handed reliever Clarke Schmidt for at least the early part of the postseason due to a right biceps injury, diminishing their bullpen options as they prepare for October play.

Schmidt was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to Monday after experiencing right biceps neuritis. The right-hander, who returned from Tommy John surgery last year, had appeared in only one game this season before reporting cramping in his biceps while warming up in the bullpen during a Sunday game in Arizona. Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that although the injury is considered minor, Schmidt was unable to make sufficient progress in his recovery. Boone indicated that Schmidt will likely remain sidelined regardless of how far the team advances in the playoffs.

The team had initially hoped Schmidt would provide valuable depth to their relief corps, alongside left-hander Ryan Weathers, who is currently working his way back from a left forearm flexor strain. Weathers is expected to resume live throwing on Friday and could still be ready in time for the postseason.

With Schmidt out, the Yankees will need to explore alternatives to fill their playoff bullpen. One potential option is right-hander Carlos Lagrange, a hard-throwing prospect who has pitched in only one game for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders this year after recovering from a sprained right shoulder. Since the minor league season has ended, Lagrange has been limited to live batting practice throws as the organization proceeds cautiously with his rehabilitation.

Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake confirmed that while there has been extensive discussion about calling up Lagrange, the team intends to prioritize his health and readiness. Blake suggested that Lagrange would likely only be activated for the postseason if other bullpen pitchers were to suffer injuries. “There’s certainly a scenario that happens,” Blake said. “If it gets to that, we’re probably in a bad spot, some guys have gone down and he’s the next choice. He’s put his name in the mix.”

The Yankees will enter the playoffs facing diminished bullpen depth as they await updates on Weathers’ progress and consider whether to deploy Lagrange as a late-season reinforcement.