Cam Schlittler’s All-Star week turned into a statement about priorities.
After it was revealed that Dylan Cease of the Toronto Blue Jays would start the American League All-Star Game, the New York Yankees right-hander confirmed he would not take the mound in the exhibition. On Monday, Schlittler explained why he backed off the idea of pitching.
“The plan from a month ago or so was to throw, especially if I was able to start,” Schlittler said, per Alex Smith of SNY. “...
I threw and I kind of sat there like it’s a long season, I’ve thrown a lot of innings so far, we’ve had a few injuries (to the rotation) already, and just didn’t want to risk the chance of feeling a little bit dragged after if I were to go out there on two days rest and try to throw 100 miles per hour. So, again, just trying to put myself and the team first.
We’ve got bigger aspirations for the season.”
The numbers help explain why the Yankees are being careful. ESPN stats show Schlittler went into the break leading the American League with a 2.05 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP and 4.1 pitching wins above replacement.
He also ranked fourth in all of MLB with 118.2 innings pitched. In 20 starts, he was 9-5.
New York had been in a summer skid before closing the first half with four straight wins to move to 54-42 heading into the break. Schlittler’s focus is clearly on what he can do for the Yankees later this year, but he still sounded eager to soak in the All-Star experience on Tuesday.
“I think it will probably sink in [Tuesday] during the game, or maybe just after, just realizing how fortunate I am to be in this position,” Schlittler continued. “...
I think the biggest thing is just meeting all of the guys. I’ve only been up here for a year now, and the best players in the league are here, so it will be really good to talk to them, pick their brains, and see what I can learn and just enjoy it and watch the fun happen.”
Peter Sblendorio of the New York Daily News reported that Schlittler also said that “at the end of the day, the team comes first.” That kind of answer is exactly the sort that tends to win over Yankees fans, especially when it comes from a pitcher they already view as an ace.
In Other News...
Juan Sotos Aaron Judge Reaction Will Irritate Plenty Of Yankees Fans
Juan Soto spent a season in the Yankees orbit that gave the club plenty to remember, from a run to the 2024 World Series to the kind of October moment that can define a players year. Even now, with Soto across town for the Mets, he still spoke warmly about that stretch and pointed to one of his biggest postseason swings as a favorite memory from wearing pinstripes.
The part that will stick with Yankees fans, though, is how little interest Soto seemed to show in revisiting the Aaron Judge question. Judge and Soto formed one of the most dangerous pairings in baseball last season, but Sotos answer made clear he is looking forward rather than back, and it comes at a time when the Mets are buried in the NL East and staring at another year without a postseason trip. [Read more 🡒]
Former Yankee Just Landed In The Middle Of Boston's Deadline Push
Boston made its first move ahead of the trade deadline, adding outfielder Jahmai Jones from the Tigers in a deal that sent a player to be named later to Detroit. Jones had been designated for assignment last week after struggling offensively in Detroit, and the move gives the Red Sox another body to evaluate as they try to strengthen the roster for a postseason push.
For Yankees fans, the interesting part is the familiar name landing in the middle of a division rivals deadline plans. Jones has not given Detroit much at the plate this season, but Boston is clearly betting theres something worth mining here, whether it is depth, versatility or simply a low-cost chance to catch lightning before the market gets more expensive. [Read more 🡒]
Jazz Chisholm Just Said What Yankees Fans Feared For Years
Jazz Chisholm Jr. has given the Yankees something more than an everyday spark in the lineup. After a win over the Rays, Max Schuemann pointed to Chisholms comments as part of the reason the club felt more unified, and the message carried extra weight because it came from a player who then backed it up with a crucial two-run homer in a victory over the Nationals.
For a Yankees team that has spent years hearing questions about its clubhouse chemistry, Chisholms willingness to speak plainly about the groups internal cohesion landed like a shot across the bow. The broader issue has hovered over the franchise since the 2020 season and through repeated postseason frustrations, and now the conversation is no longer just about talent or results. It is about whether this roster can stay connected through the kind of stretches that have pulled it apart before. [Read more 🡒]