AL Wild Card Series Pitching Plans Uncertain for Yankees

Cam Schlittler is a strong contender for the AL Cy Young award, yet it’s still unclear if he’ll take the mound in Game 1 of the upcoming AL wild-card series next week.

As of Wednesday, the Yankees were still finalizing their rotation for the playoffs, with Aaron Boone only confirming that Schlittler would pitch in one of the first two games.

When asked if Schlittler, who is set to start against the Rays on Thursday, would be lined up for Game 1, Boone replied, “not necessarily.” He explained that the starter for Game 1 or 2 would still have the opportunity to pitch in Games 2 and 5 of a possible ALDS.

“There are really three or four different scenarios to consider, whether to go with Cam or Max [Fried] in Game 1 or 2, and then figuring out where to slot Carlos [Rodón] and Gerrit [Cole],” pitching coach Matt Blake mentioned before the Yankees’ impressive 9-2 win over the Rays at home on Wednesday night. “Depending on who we’re facing and what the next series might look like, there are numerous combinations of those four pitchers we could use. But first, we’ve got to win the wild card.”

With a 1.94 ERA, Schlittler would be pitching on his fifth day of rest if he starts in Tuesday’s Game 1, potentially against the Red Sox. Meanwhile, Cole would be ready on his sixth day, while Fried and Rodón would both have their seventh day of rest.

Blake mentioned the Yankees would ideally prefer for their starter to be on their sixth day of rest “in a vacuum,” but noted that this wouldn’t outright dictate their decision.

“We’ll probably go with whatever makes the most strategic sense since they will all have had adequate rest,” Blake said. “Cam would be on the shortest rest for Game 1, but it’s reasonable.”

Cole returned from Tommy John surgery in May and secured a win on Wednesday, wrapping up his season with a 10-9 record and a 3.61 ERA.

Fried, boasting a 2.80 ERA, recently returned to his full pitch count during his fifth start back from the injured list, while Rodón impressed against the Rays on Tuesday, lowering his ERA to 2.67.

“You’re looking at the entire body of work, but the last month is quite telling of where everyone’s at physically and what they can handle as we move forward,” Blake stated. “However, with Gerrit, it’s not only the recent performance; it’s also about recognizing his historical talent. Carlos is pitching really well too, and Gerrit has shown he can excel, as evidenced by his outing in Arizona.”