Cam Schlittler Shines as Yankees Aim for Playoffs
Aaron Boone has referred to Cam Schlittler as “the best pitcher in the league,” and considering how well the right-hander has performed this season, it’s tough to argue with that sentiment.
In a 5-3 victory over Colorado on Tuesday, Schlittler further strengthened his case to win the AL Cy Young Award with another outstanding performance.
“That’s a great compliment,” Schlittler remarked after hearing Boone’s words.
While Schlittler claimed the honor isn’t his main focus as the Yankees strive to secure a playoff position and catch Tampa Bay in the AL East, he admitted he’s had discussions with Chad Bohling, the team’s director of organizational performance, about “chasing” the award.
“But I try to push that to the side and I don’t worry about it on a daily basis,” he added. “If I go out there every five days and compete, there’s no reason I don’t have an opportunity to win it.”
His primary rival for the award is Dylan Cease from Toronto, but if Schlittler continues to have outings like this one, he’s likely in an advantageous position. After a stretch where he issued 11 walks in 17 innings over three games, he has now put together two consecutive outings without a walk, racking up 19 strikeouts instead.
He leads the league and has set a franchise record with 20 starts this season allowing one run or fewer, while his ERA has now dropped to 2.01.
On Tuesday, Schlittler’s only slip occurred in the third inning when Adael Amador hit a homer to right-center, tying the game at one run apiece. This was among just three hits the Rockies managed against him, and with this win, the Yankees improved to 19-11 in games he started.
Interestingly, only two pitchers in the majors have thrown more innings than Schlittler’s 178 ²/₃, and despite facing command challenges at times, he has frequently been effective.
This consistency has proven crucial for the Yankees, especially as they’ve dealt with Aaron Judge’s extended absence due to a fractured rib and other injuries within the pitching rotation.
“When you have that going all year at the top of the rotation, that’s massive,” said Boone, speaking about Schlittler’s impact.
The 25-year-old expressed particular satisfaction with his improved walk rate, explaining he’d “rather they put it in play and let them beat me than beat myself.”
Moreover, he seems to have addressed a previous issue, having allowed just three runs over his last four outings at Yankee Stadium, compared to a 4.32 ERA in his first ten starts there, which resulted in a 2-4 record.
Overall, all these elements are contributing to what could be a memorable season for him.
“Ask me in three weeks and I can give you my honest opinion,” Schlittler shared regarding his season. “I’m focused on the last few weeks [of the regular season]. It’s been good so far, but a lot of things can happen.”
