Yankees fall to Mets 7-5 on July 5, 2025, despite homers from Volpe & Wells. The loss is overshadowed by a season-ending injury to starter Clarke Schmidt.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day of conflicting emotions in Queens. While any loss to the Mets leaves a sour taste, the 7-5 defeat at Citi Field was quickly overshadowed by much bigger news. The Yankees' spirited late-game rally wasn't enough to grab a win, but the real story unfolded off the mound, with a brutal injury blow to a key starter and the corresponding promotion of one of the organization's most exciting young arms.
He's exciting... He's put himself on the map in a big way. - Aaron Boone on Cam Schlittler
The game itself was a classic back-and-forth affair. The Yankees found themselves in a hole but fought back, powered by the long ball. Catcher Austin Wells, shrugging off recent health concerns, kicked things off with a 372-foot solo shot in the 3rd. Later, Cody Bellinger slashed a two-run double in the 6th to pull the team closer. Anthony Volpe then blasted a 408-foot rocket in the 7th, his 10th of the year, to make it a 7-5 game. But the comeback stalled there, as the pitching couldn't quite contain the Mets' bats, leaving the Yankee faithful wanting more.
The loss in the standings pales in comparison to the loss in the rotation. The Yankees confirmed fans' worst fears: an MRI revealed a torn UCL for Clarke Schmidt, an injury that will almost certainly require season-ending Tommy John surgery. Schmidt has been a reliable workhorse, and his absence creates a massive hole in the starting five as the team heads into the second half. It's a gut-punch for both the player and the club's championship aspirations.
With crisis comes opportunity. The Yankees immediately announced they will turn to No. 10 prospect Cam Schlittler to fill the void. The 24-year-old right-hander has been electric in the minors this season, posting a stellar 2.82 ERA and fanning 99 batters in just 76.2 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and his secondary pitches are developing rapidly. Manager Aaron Boone, who was impressed in spring training, called him 'exciting' and praised his rapid rise. All eyes will now be on the kid as he's thrown directly into the fire of a pennant race.
Even in a loss, there were individual bright spots that shouldn't be overlooked. Austin Wells hitting his 12th homer of the season just days after undergoing tests for a circulatory issue shows incredible grit. Meanwhile, Anthony Volpe continues his powerful campaign from the shortstop position, demonstrating that his power is a consistent and reliable weapon at the top of the order. These performances prove the offense has the firepower to keep the team in games, which will be more crucial than ever.
So where do the Yankees go from here? They'll look to shake off the loss and salvage the series tomorrow. But the bigger picture is now clear: the team's resilience will be tested. While the offense, led by guys like Volpe and Bellinger, continues to produce, the season may very well hinge on the arm of a 24-year-old rookie. Welcome to the show, Cam Schlittler. No pressure.
