Schlitler Opts Out of All-Star Game Start
WASHINGTON – Before it was official, Yankees ace Cam Schlitler had already taken himself out of the running for an All-Star start.
For weeks, there was hope he might pitch in the Tuesday game and possibly even start. However, AL manager John Schneider ultimately decided to go with Dylan Cease instead. This decision led Schlitler to visit Aaron Boone’s office on Sunday morning, where he expressed his desire to withdraw from consideration.
“With the injuries we’ve been facing this year, I just don’t want to let the team down,” Schlitler said after the Yankees’ recent 5-3 victory at Nationals Park. He mentioned key absences on the roster, including Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodón, making him hesitant to risk playing.
Reflecting on his choice, he noted, “My priority has to be the team and focusing on how I can contribute. I’m not sure I could recover fully to pitch even one inning at full strength.”
Despite feeling “very good” physically, Schlitler acknowledged he could throw if necessary, but playing in an actual game seemed unlikely.
Schneider stated he planned to start his pitcher irrespective of Schlitler’s availability and had informed Major League Baseball of his decision Saturday night. Meanwhile, he confirmed that Philadelphia’s ace, Christopher Sanchez, would start for the National League.
Both Schlitler and manager Boone explained that the decision to select a right-handed pitcher was made independently of the news about Schneider’s choice.
“Congratulations to Dylan. He’s had a fantastic season and truly deserves this,” Schlitler remarked. “But my choice had nothing to do with that.”
Schlitler’s stats from the first half show he pitched over 20 1/3 innings, ending with an ERA of 2.05, which currently stands as the worst in the AL but slightly better than Schiess’ 2.56.
Looking ahead, Schlitler is on track to exceed his previous career high of 149 2/3 innings from last season. This heightens the importance of rest, especially given that injuries to Fried and Rodón are already a concern for the Yankees.
“He knows what’s at stake for both the team and himself in the second half,” Boone said in support of Schlitler’s decision.
While Tuesday was set to be a bullpen day for Schlitler, he understands that pitching in an All-Star Game is a unique opportunity.
“I feel like my adrenaline goes up, and I’m probably pushing myself hard, which can be a bit nerve-wracking,” he admitted. “But I’m feeling great, and I’m on the roster. If I need to pitch, I will. I’ll prepare as I always do and see how it goes.”
