Cam Schlittler seizes opportunity at All-Star Game to connect with Justin Verlander

Cam Schlitzer Seizes Opportunity at All-Star Game

PHILADELPHIA — Even though Cam Schlitzer wasn’t slated to pitch on Tuesday, he made the trip anyway. The All-Star Game means more than just the typical exhibition for him.

At just 25 and in his first full season in the majors, this event offered a unique chance to meet Justin Verlander, a 43-year-old pitcher who is wrapping up his own career.

Schlitzer had dinner with Verlander on Monday night. They chatted briefly and planned to connect again during warmups and the game. As it turned out, they found time to talk in the dugout during the American League’s 4-0 victory at Citizens Bank Park.

Schlitzer, who predominantly throws three types of fastballs, and Verlander both possess a notable ability to deliver powerful pitches, even in an era dominated by flamethrowers.

When Verlander entered the league, he earned a reputation for being able to ramp up his speed late in games. Schlitzer noted this unique skill: “Great pitchers have the ability to flip that switch when they need to throw harder.”

Coach Schlitzer likely kept this advice in mind. He mentioned, “You can’t really control it even if you throw it as hard as you can.” His average pitch velocity this year stands at 95.9 mph, but he feels uncertainty about his command. “I think I still need more experience to really know my body well enough.”

X-rays on Rays star Junior Caminero’s left little finger came back negative after he was struck by a fastball from Cardinals pitcher Riley O’Brien during the fourth inning. Caminero went down and stayed there briefly, ultimately walking off the field into the dugout.

Juan Soto had a single in the fourth, one of only three hits for the National League, and said he enjoyed his time at the game. Prior to the event, he spent quality time with Yordan Alvarez, expressing his eagerness to learn from the Astros slugger.

“It’s unbelievable to hear from a hitter like that, someone who can hit at that level,” Alvarez remarked on Tuesday. Soto shared that when asked which hitter he’d want to learn from, he immediately thought of Alvarez.