The Yankees' pitching rotation has been navigating a challenging spring, with injuries causing a fair share of headaches. But there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon, thanks to the promising return of right-hander Cam Schlittler. After battling a persistent back issue, Schlittler faced live hitters again, marking a significant milestone for a team in need of stability behind their ace.
Schlittler isn't just another arm in the mix; he's shown real potential. His rookie season stats-4-3 record, 2.96 ERA, and 84 strikeouts over 73 innings-speak volumes about his capabilities. With big names like Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Luis Gil already in the rotation, a healthy Schlittler could elevate the Yankees' prospects considerably.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared his optimism, noting that if Schlittler continues on his current recovery path, he could very well be part of the Opening Day rotation. "If all continues to go well, I expect Cam Schlittler to be part of the Yankees’ season-opening rotation, though he probably won’t be fully built up," Boone mentioned. Schlittler recently threw 25 pitches in live batting practice, his first against hitters this spring, and there's a chance he might even see game action next week.
While Schlittler's progress is promising, the Yankees are keeping their options open. With ongoing issues like mid-back inflammation and a lingering left lat concern from 2025, they're also exploring the market, eyeing veterans such as Zack Littell and Patrick Corbin. Boone remains hopeful for Schlittler's readiness, but the team is prepared for all scenarios.
The rotation is currently thin, with Cole and Carlos Rodón aiming for late spring returns, and Clarke Schmidt and Chase Hampton on extended rehabs. While internal prospects are battling for spots, the Yankees aren't ruling out a short-term veteran addition to bolster their pitching depth.