In San Francisco, the Yankees are off to a blazing start, showcasing a pitching clinic that has fans buzzing. Cam Schlittler, despite a late start to his throwing program due to a back/lat issue, made his presence felt with a commanding performance.
Manager Aaron Boone, confident in his young right-hander, opted not to delay Schlittler’s season debut. And Schlittler delivered, throwing 68 pitches over 5.1 scoreless innings, striking out eight, and allowing just one hit-a second-inning double by Heliot Ramos-in a 3-0 victory over the Giants.
Boone praised the bullpen's follow-up act, with Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, Camilo Doval, and David Bednar sealing the deal after Schlittler’s exit. This performance, coupled with Max Fried’s 6.1 scoreless innings on Opening Day, marked a historic start for the Yankees. For the first time in franchise history, they began a season with back-to-back shutouts, holding the Giants to five hits or fewer across the two games-an MLB first.
Aaron Judge, who sparked the offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning, lauded the Yankees’ pitching prowess. “They have a great lineup,” Judge noted, acknowledging the Giants’ offensive potential. But the Yankees’ pitchers, he said, “have been putting in their work in the offseason.”
Schlittler, modest about his own contributions, expressed satisfaction with the team’s collective effort. Despite his own stellar outing, he focused on the bullpen's electric performance. Meanwhile, Judge highlighted Schlittler’s growth, noting his command over offspeed pitches and his ability to fill up the zone.
Camilo Doval’s eighth-inning dominance, striking out the side with his lethal sinker, was another highlight. Boone described Doval as “dominant,” a testament to the right-hander’s offseason adjustments. Acquired from the Giants last summer, Doval initially struggled but has since settled in, crediting the Yankees’ supportive environment and his World Baseball Classic experience for his resurgence.
Doval spoke about the Yankees’ camaraderie, likening the team to a family. “The support that we all are sharing with each other, the encouragement from the guys, the clapping,” Doval said, “I think that’s what it’s all about.”
As the Yankees continue their season, their pitching staff’s unity and prowess are setting the tone for what could be an exciting year.