The New York Yankees have spent the past month juggling pitching decisions, and on Thursday, their October blueprint finally came into focus. Everyone knew Max Fried would be the man in Game 1 of a potential Wild Card series, and Carlos Rodón was locked in for Game 2. The mystery was who would get the ball in a winner-take-all Game 3. That answer came quietly but decisively: rookie Cam Schlittler.
Why the Yankees chose Cam Schlittler
By lining up Schlittler to start Saturday and Luis Gil on Sunday, manager Aaron Boone all but confirmed his trust in the 24-year-old right-hander. This schedule ensures Schlittler would be on full rest for a potential Game 3 next Thursday.
It’s not a decision rooted in sentimentality—it’s based on performance. Gil has been solid on paper, posting a 3.29 ERA, but the Yankees have watched the underlying numbers with concern. His command has wavered, his strikeout rate has dipped, and advanced metrics like a 4.78 xERA and 5.64 xFIP hint that trouble could be brewing beneath the surface.
Schlittler, on the other hand, has been a revelation in his rookie season. With 75 strikeouts in 66 innings, electric velocity that can touch triple digits, and secondary pitches that are maturing at just the right time, he represents both upside and momentum. For a team eyeing October pressure cookers, that kind of fearless, high-octane arm can make the difference.
The AL East factor
Of course, this rotation plan may never be tested if the Yankees win the division outright. At 90 wins, they’re deadlocked with the Toronto Blue Jays and need to finish at least one game ahead to secure the AL East crown and a first-round bye. If they pull it off, the Wild Card round becomes irrelevant, and New York would open in the Division Series with Fried, Rodón, and Schlittler spaced comfortably in a five-game set.
But here’s the thing: the Yankees can’t afford to assume the best-case scenario. They don’t control their own destiny in the standings, so preparing for the Wild Card round is the only responsible path. One slip from Toronto could make New York’s life easier, but until then, Boone and his staff have to plan for the grind.
A rookie trusted with October pressure
Handing the ball to a rookie in a postseason elimination game is never a decision made lightly. It’s like sending a first-time skydiver to jump in tandem with a veteran—they have to trust the mechanics, trust the process, and keep their nerves in check. Schlittler has shown exactly that kind of poise this season, looking more comfortable each outing as he refines his mechanics and attacks hitters with confidence.
For a franchise that has seen young pitchers wilt under the Bronx spotlight before, the faith in Schlittler speaks volumes. He’s earned this moment not just with numbers, but with presence. The Yankees see a competitor who isn’t afraid of the stage.
A postseason trio to believe in
If the rotation does line up as expected, New York will roll into October with Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Cam Schlittler. That’s a formidable trio—Fried brings postseason experience and precision, Rodón offers fire and resilience, and Schlittler represents the unpredictability of youth with a live arm that can overwhelm on the right night.
The Yankees may not know yet if they’ll need that Game 3 starter for the Wild Card round, but by naming Schlittler, they’ve sent a clear message: the rookie isn’t just along for the ride—he’s part of the plan and he is here to stay.
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