Cam Schlittler made a notable return to the mound for the New York Yankees in their 3-0 Grapefruit League victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Friday. Manager Aaron Boone recalled first noticing Schlittler’s composure and competitive spirit during last year’s Spring Training.
“I remember it right here,” Boone said before Friday’s game. “I just remember a couple of times checking on him here. At that point, I didn’t know him that well. It stood out to me in Spring Training. He wasn’t overwhelmed; he was just at ease right away, in the best kind of way.”
Boone referred to March 1, 2025, when Schlittler showed promise but also some inconsistency against the Houston Astros. By midseason, Schlittler had secured a spot in the Yankees’ rotation after being called up on July 9.
“In my mind, it was there all year, based on what I first saw here,” Boone said.
Schlittler later delivered a standout performance with 12 strikeouts in the American League Wild Card Series against Boston. After dealing with back and lat discomfort earlier this spring, he returned to action by striking out four batters over 2 1/3 scoreless innings against Tampa Bay.
“I’m just making good progress with the body and the arm,” Schlittler said. “I’m able to go out there confidently. I’m feeling good.”
He threw 39 pitches—24 for strikes—and is expected to reach about 70 pitches by Opening Day as part of his ramp-up plan.
This season, Schlittler has added a cutter averaging nearly 95 mph to his pitching repertoire, developed last season with advice from teammate Gerrit Cole.
“My last start of the season, Gerrit split up that pitch and I went into the playoffs with that 94-96 mile-an-hour cutter,” Schlittler said. “I was able to see really good results with it up in the zone. I’ll continue to hopefully keep the velo and the location as well.”
Boone praised both his new pitch and overall arsenal: “It’s nasty, too,” Boone said of the cutter. “Just standing behind him, it’s kind of wicked. If he can get the consistency of that curveball, the three fastballs with the curveball – then he gets pretty tough to deal with.”
In other developments from Friday’s game, Oswaldo Cabrera returned nine months after suffering an ankle fracture and ligament damage. Cabrera played three innings at shortstop without issue and received a standing ovation before drawing a walk and scoring a run.
“I noticed,” Cabrera said about his reception from fans and teammates. “I was locked in, but that was the first time [he received an ovation]. I didn’t know if I had to [tip] my helmet. I always appreciate the love… It felt like it was my MLB debut. Everybody was so happy for me – all the coaches, managers, teammates.”
Boone commented on Cabrera’s recovery: “He’s worked really hard to come back from a tough injury.”
Cabrera will remain in Tampa while New York travels for upcoming exhibition games against Washington and New York Mets this weekend; he is scheduled for more playing time Monday versus Pittsburgh Pirates.
Manager Boone also announced Randal Grichuk will make his spring debut Monday following his recent Minor League signing after appearing in over one hundred games last season between Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals.
Meanwhile, pitcher Rafael Montero has not yet reported due to visa complications after signing a Minor League contract earlier this month.