Cam Schlittler caps impressive year by making Yankees history

The New York Yankees record books have seen some new additions over the past couple of days.

First baseman Ben Rice carved his name into the record books on Wednesday by becoming the 13th player in franchise history to hit at least 40 home runs in a season. On Thursday, pitcher Cam Schlittler became the eighth player in team history to qualify for the ERA title while posting an ERA below 2.00.

Although Schlittler ended the regular season with an abbreviated three inning start, it did not diminish what has been an impressive performance. The likely American League Cy Young Award winner finished the regular season with a 1.95 ERA and a 0.919 WHiP over his 193 2/3 innings, striking out 239 batters with 49 walks. 

Yankees counting on Cam Schlittler to continue dominance in postseason

Schlittler's stellar performance also included his outings against the Yankees opponent in the wild-card round. He held the Red Sox to seven runs, two earned, on 15 hits and nine walks over his 24.1 innings, striking out 27 batters. Schlittler also showed he can perform under the bright lights of the postseason, allowing four runs, two earned, on 13 hits over 14.1 postseason innings and striking out 14 batters without issuing a walk.

The Yankees will need Schlittler to continue that dominance. Although outfielder Aaron Judge said that he plans to be ready to face the Red Sox on Tuesday, his availability remains doubtful. The Yankees pitching staff may not have the same margin of error they are used to given their missing weapons in the lineup. Having Schlittler set the tone while building off of a historic season would help the Yankees in their quest to bring another championship to the Bronx.