The New York Yankees are enjoying a rare moment of calm as spring training unfolds, with their pitching staff mostly intact-a welcome departure from the usual injury woes that have plagued past seasons. As we find ourselves in mid-March, the rotation is surprisingly stable, with the exceptions of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt, whose recoveries were anticipated and planned for in the Yankees' 2026 outlook.
This stability is a luxury for the Yankees, who are used to scrambling for backup options by this time. Instead, the focus has shifted to the promising development of their younger pitchers.
Early Spring Training Drama
The only real scare came from Cam Schlittler, the 25-year-old sensation who captured fans' hearts with his impressive 2025 season. Concerns arose when rumors of a back and lat issue circulated early in camp, causing a collective gasp among the Yankee faithful. For a young pitcher, even a minor issue can spell trouble.
However, the Yankees handled the situation with care, opting for a cautious approach. They gave Schlittler some rest, allowing the inflammation to settle before he returned to the mound. This brief pause seems to have been a mere bump in the road, as Schlittler is back to throwing with confidence, easing fears about his availability for Opening Day.
Emerging as a Key Rotation Piece
The Yankees' rotation is taking shape, with Schlittler poised for a significant role. According to insider Jack Curry, the signs point to Schlittler taking the mound for the second game of the regular season, right after ace Max Fried.
Curry's insights are as dependable as they come, and Schlittler's spring performance backs up the buzz. With a 1.50 ERA over six innings and ten strikeouts, he's pitching with the same fearless style that earned him a 2.96 ERA over 73 innings last year.
The Yankees are clearly betting on Schlittler’s 2025 performance being more than just a flash in the pan. By scheduling him for the March 27 game against the San Francisco Giants, they’re setting the stage for him to shine. He'll start the season on a limited pitch count, but with a fresh bullpen ready to support him, the opportunity is his to seize.