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Yankees' Cam Schlittler gets back on track in pivotal win over Rays
New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Yankees' Cam Schlittler gets back on track in pivotal win over Rays

By Eric Smithling  |  Last updated Jul 6, 2026 9:31 PM ET
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That's the Cam Schlittler we're used to seeing.

On Monday, the New York Yankees ace got back on track after having his worst start of an All-Star season in his last outing, going eight innings in a pivotal division win over the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, 5-1.

Schlittler allowed three hits and one earned run while striking out seven batters, pulling the Yankees (50-40), who entered 1-9 in their last 10 games, three behind the Rays (52-36) for the AL's best record.

Cam Schlittler reverts to All-Star form in exceptional start vs. Rays

Schlittler, who made his MLB debut nearly a year ago on Jul. 9, 2025, celebrated his first All-Star nod in style after a disastrous start on Jun. 30 against the Detroit Tigers, who tagged him for a career-high six earned runs in four innings — a season low.

The 2022 seventh-rounder was sharp against Tampa, with seven of his eight strikeouts coming via swinging strikes on his electrifying four-seamer. Schlittler led off the second by sending centerfielder Cedric Mullins down on three pitches, the last a 98 mph fastball up in the zone.

Later, Schlitter ended the fourth by getting Mullins out swinging, this time a 99 four-seamer on the outside corner.

The eight innings were tied for his most in a start this season, and Schlittler eclipsed 100 pitches for the fourth time to further solidify himself as New York's workhorse. His dominant outing couldn't have come at a more perfect time, either, with the Yankees entering Monday reeling, losing their last three series and going 3-12 since Jun. 20, when they led the AL East by three games.

Schlittler held things down as New York continued to be aimless at the plate, failing to record a hit until shortstop Jose Caballero's three-run home run in the top of the fifth. Overall, the Yanks batted 3-for-30 with 17 strikeouts, becoming just the fifth team in Stathead's database to win a game with 17 or more strikeouts and three or fewer hits.

It takes a special pitcher to mask those offensive deficiencies, and Schlittler certainly qualifies. His latest performance was a reminder of just how important he is to the Yankees while also making his previous dud a distant memory. 

Eric Smithling
X Muck Rack

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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