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Yankees' Top Pitching Prospect to Make MLB Debut Tomorrow vs Mariners
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees are starting one of their top prospects this week.

Cam Schlittler, a 6-foot-6 right-hander that has dominated Triple-A for the last month, will make his MLB debut Wednesday in the Bronx against the Seattle Mariners.

Since being promoted June 3, Schlittler has a 1.69 ERA and a 40.2% strikeout rate over four starts.

The strikeout numbers are not just a blip, either. In his career, Schlittler has logged almost 250 innings and is still sitting at 11.2 K’s per nine.

The pitcher’s mound is perfect to get the most out of his tall frame. “With my height, release point, I get good extension…the ball gets on guys quicker than they might expect.”

By the time Schlittler releases the ball at the end of his stride, he could be twelve inches, maybe more, closer than other pitchers get. It is easy to see why scouts had to throw the Randy Johnson comps out there.

And what a time for a top-notch starting pitching prospect to get his opportunity.

Clarke Schmidt, who Schlittler is replacing, might not return until 2027. The team has been stagnant and the vibes are just off.

There is no better way to inject life into a team than to have a young prospect fight their way in and start taking over.

It will not be easy, especially right off the rip. Schlitter’s debut will have him face MLB’s home run leader in Cal Raleigh, and start number two, should he stay on schedule, would be the NL Central-leading Cubs.

But that could just make the start of his takeover of the league that much more impressive.

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This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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