Cam Schlittler contributed to the New York Yankees’ 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on April 18, delivering a strong pitching performance at Yankee Stadium. While infielder Ryan McMahon received much of the attention for his late two-run homer, Schlittler’s efforts on the mound were also notable.
Schlittler, who now holds a 1.95 earned run average across five starts, retired the first eleven batters he faced and completed six-plus innings with six strikeouts. He allowed only one unearned run on three hits and issued two walks. “It’s an elite fastball,” said Vinnie Pasquantino of the Royals. “He doesn’t shy away from it with the percentages. He does a good job of controlling the top rail of the strike zone and going up above. It’s not that often a guy that tall is able to do the things he was able to do. He’s one of the best pitchers in the game right now.”
Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro also praised Schlittler’s unique pitching style, saying: “Especially the first time you see him, it’s unique… He throws a ton of strikes, but some of them run more than you think… I mean, it’s a tough at-bat.” The only run against Schlittler came after an error in center field by Trent Grisham led to an unearned score for Kansas City.
Manager Aaron Boone commented on Grisham’s misplay: “I think he got a little turned around, playing the wind a little too much or not enough… He just didn’t secure it.” Boone also spoke highly of his pitcher: “I thought Cam was great… But overall, I thought he was on point and really, really good tonight.”
Schlittler said he felt comfortable despite issuing two walks—unusual for him this season—and noted ongoing progress after missing spring training due to back and lat discomfort: “I’m still building up… Overall, I felt pretty good.”
The win marked an encouraging outing for both Schlittler and his teammates as they look ahead in their season.
