Rookie Right-Hander Is Forcing the Yankees into a October Decision

Cam Schlittler takes the ball Saturday night in Chicago with more on the line than just another late-August start. The rookie right-hander is pitching for a postseason spot, and so far, he’s making a real case.

After back-to-back scoreless outings, Schlittler has put himself “firmly into a postseason rotation mix,” as Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.comput it. Maybe it’s still too soon to put him in a Game 2 between Max Fried and Carlos Rodón, but the rookie’s been sharp enough that he is forcing a conversation.

Through eight big-league starts, Schlittler owns a 2–2 record with a 2.76 ERA, 46 strikeouts in 42.1 innings, and a 1.30 WHIP. His August has been even better with 1.63 ERA over 27.2 innings with 31 strikeouts. Over his last three starts, he’s allowed one run in 17.2 innings while fanning 22.

It’s the arsenal that has people paying attention.

His four-seamer touches 100 mph, and his cutter and secondary pitches keep hitters from camping out on the fastball. Now, the Yankees wait to see how he adjusts as scouting reports will tighten, hitters will adjust. Schlittler will have to show he can adjust right back.

The Yankees have been here before with rookies forcing the issue. Orlando “El Duque” Hernández shoved his way into the 1998 postseason and changed the ALCS. Ivan Nova got the ball in Game 1 of the 2011 ALDS. Deivi García made a surprise October start in 2020 (as an opener that backfired against the Rays). When a young arm proves it, the Yankees have never been afraid to use it.

The timing lines up. The Yankees are on their longest winning streak of the season, sitting three games back of Toronto in the AL East and holding a half-game edge in the top Wild Card spot. September’s soft schedule should give Schlittler about six more chances to build his case.

Saturday in Chicago is just the next one. Keep stacking outings like the last three, and Schlittler won’t just be on the roster in October—he’ll be in the rotation.