Yankees Rookie Pitches Well Despite Loss

Cam Schlittler had a decent outing, managing to keep his team competitive, but it’s hard for him not to think about that one misstep.

In what was his fifth game, he performed well under pressure, but the Yankees ultimately fell 5-3 to the Astros after ten innings on Friday.

He faced trouble early, when the third batter up, Jose Altuve, crushed a two-run homer right after the crowd’s heavy boos echoed through the stadium.

After that, Schlittler managed to navigate the game with some solid support, especially from Cody Bellinger.

“I’m still figuring things out,” Schlittler admitted. “Looking back, I think I could have done better.”

His main goal was to minimize errors, and in this case, it started right with that fifth pitch of the game.

Austin Wells had called for a slider, but Schlittler ended up going with a sweeper, which—well—didn’t quite work out as he hoped.

In retrospect, he believes he should have opted for a fastball instead.

Altuve seemed ready for something slower and easily drove the ball out to left field.

“That’s what he was looking for,” Schlittler noted.

The Astros did threaten again after scoring 5-1, with Schlittler giving up a couple more hits—one from Cam Smith and another from Taylor Trammell—but Bellinger was there to make a strong assist, marking his third of the season.

The Astros tried again in the fifth inning, but Schlittler held firm, forcing Carlos Correa into a groundout and keeping the game interesting.

Manager Aaron Boone was optimistic. “We got into some sticky situations, but overall, our pitching was pretty solid, especially at key moments,” he remarked.

Yerry de Los Santos also stepped in, throwing 1²/₃ scoreless innings, though he has given up just one run in his last 16¹/₃ innings, showcasing good form.

Meanwhile, the team is slowly getting back to full strength with key players like Fernando Cruz and Ryan Yarbra returning to practice. Cruz has been out since late June due to a left injury, trying to work his way back into the game.

He threw a bullpen session but hasn’t faced live batters since his second stint on the injury list this season. Yarbra, who has been sidelined since June 18, is also close to returning, potentially participating in a live session soon.

Uncertainties remain about how the Yankees will integrate these returning players, particularly whether they will start or come in as relief.

On another note, Jonathan Loáisiga seems to be on the road to recovery. Boone shared that he has started a throwing program after dealing with mid-term injury issues.

Austin Slater, who played a few games before straining his hamstring, could be out until early to mid-September as he recuperates.

It’s shaping up to be an interesting time as the Yankees prepare for their first alumni game since 2019 this Saturday, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of their 2000 World Series Championship team.

Big names like Mariano Rivera and Joe Torre are expected to be in attendance, along with other former Yankees, which should make for a special day.

The team is encouraging fans to be in their seats by noon for player introductions.