Cam Schlittler took the mound for the last time in the regular season Thursday night, solidifying his Cy Young-worthy performance, and he could be set to start Game 1 of the wild-card series on Tuesday in The Bronx with normal rest.
However, according to the Yankees, the situation may be more complicated. They are contemplating holding Schlittler back for Game 2, with Max Fried possibly taking the opening game instead.
“Who wouldn’t want to start the first game?” Schlittler remarked after his 6-4 victory over the Rays. “I think the entire pitching staff deserves it. We’re all competitors. Ultimately, I’ll let [Aaron Boone] make the call.”
With less than a week until the playoffs, the Yankees have yet to finalize their postseason rotation.
Pitching coach Matt Blake mentioned that Fried is a strong candidate for Game 1, while Schlittler, who only threw 70 pitches in a shortened game against Tampa Bay, remains a possibility as well.
“He’s the guy we want with the ball,” Boone stated, referring to Schlittler. “Whether it’s Game 1 or Game 2, you consider the entire postseason. Winning the whole thing is the goal, and we want him to have the maximum opportunities.”
If Schlittler waits for Game 2, he would be scheduled to pitch in Games 2 and 5 of the ALDS against the Rays, both of which would be away games—his performance has been notably better on the road.
According to Blake, Gerrit Cole’s starting position in the wild-card series isn’t guaranteed, as the decision for Game 3 will be a choice between him and Carlos Rodón.
“Both guys have performed well in the stretch run,” Blake noted about Cole and Rodón. “All four starters are solid options. It’s about checking in with them and identifying the best fit based on our opponent.”
The Yankees’ forthcoming rival is still uncertain, particularly after Boston lost to Cleveland on Thursday and failed to clinch the fifth spot in the American League.
No matter who they face, rest will be a consideration in the rotation. If Schlittler pitches Game 1, it will be on his fifth day of rest.
Cole would be on his sixth day, while both Fried and Rodón would have had seven days of rest.
When asked if the team might be “overthinking” their Game 1 starter decision instead of simply naming Schlittler given his impressive season, Blake acknowledged, “Certainly.”
Schlittler completed his first full season in the majors with an impressive AL-best 1.95 ERA and 239 strikeouts, placing him third in franchise history for ERA, behind only Spud Chandler and Ron Guidry.
“He’s been the best pitcher in the league, hands down,” Boone said in praise of Schlittler.
“He’s more than earned the right to pitch Game 1,” Blake reiterated before Schlittler allowed two runs (one earned) in a largely insignificant game. “We’re assessing all our starters to maximize our chances during this three-game series.”
This strategy might mean Cole could be positioned for a possible ALDS start against the Rays, if he’s not among the three starters or used out of the bullpen.
“If he’s not one of our three starters or out of the pen, he would be available for the ALDS,” Blake added. “Where we go from there is uncertain.”
Blake also suggested that all four starters could be included on the wild-card roster, acknowledging the challenges of placing pitchers in unfamiliar positions.
Rodón, boasting a 1.89 ERA over his last seven starts since returning from the injured list, mentioned he would be comfortable transitioning to a bullpen role.
“I’ll do whatever we need to win a game,” Rodón affirmed. “I have confidence in my abilities, no matter my role.”
“For any of these guys who haven’t pitched out of the pen for a while, it’s vital to have a solid plan and ensure they grasp their role since you only get one chance if we use them in that capacity,” Blake explained. “They won’t pitch multiple times in the series.”
