BREDENTON, Fla. — Given the situation within the Yankees pitching staff, it's a priority for teams to keep an eye on just about every starter they have in spring training.
Even after Cam Schlittler's tough outing against the pirates who brought the 9-1 Yankees defeat at Recom Park on Tuesday, the right-hander looks like someone can see, even if he's on the outskirts of Gerrit Cole's rotation spot competition.
In the first two innings, the 24-year-old limited the Pirates to one hit while recording strikeouts.
The third inning was a different story. This is because Schlitler allowed four hits, including two doubles, a home run and a single that led to a 4-0 Pirate Treed.
It was his second start to spring, following a performance in which he allowed him to walk four in 4¹/₃ innings while earning one run with two hits.
Schlitler knows the gap holes the Yankees have to fill, and he knows he has more eyes on him than ever before.
The seventh pick in the 2022 draft said he was ready to take the next step.
“Obviously, I don't know. I'm not having those conversations, but I'm ready no matter where I start,” Schlitler said. “I'm clearly very confident in myself, but once again, those opportunities rise. If I keep performing and healthy, I might get those opportunities. But if I'm not, either way, I'm ready to perform at the highest level.”
This was the first spring Schlittler throws at major leaguers and was invited to Major League Camp. After graduating from Northeastern, his career was spent walking his path through the minor class.
He started in 17 games last season at High-A Hudson Valley with an ERA of 2.60.
He also had five starts in Double A for the Yankees and one with a Triple A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. On all three teams, he owned an ERA 3.36 that year.
So far, Schlittler has been immersed in all the major league experiences he can get.
“It's obviously, before the season begins and all of that is important now, but it's definitely good to face that competition before the season comes,” Schlitler said. “So no matter where you start, it probably won’t get as good as those guys.
“It's good to get that experience and challenge yourself earlier later.”
Schlittler finished his outing on Tuesday, with seven hits, four runs scored and two strikeouts in 3¹/₃ innings.
