Cam Schlittler, a right-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees, displayed both promise and inconsistency during Monday’s 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Schlittler, who is considered a notable prospect and has been mentioned in trade discussions ahead of the upcoming deadline, delivered fastballs that reached triple digits—marking some of the hardest thrown by a Yankee this season.
Schlittler struggled early in his outing but was able to make adjustments with input from teammate Max Fried. “I was talking to Max in between innings, just trying to get some small cues and see what I was feeling out there with the mechanics,” Schlittler said. “I think I was opening up a little bit.”
The Yankees had an early opportunity against Rays starter Drew Rasmussen, loading the bases in the first inning. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ryan McMahon drew walks that brought in runs. However, after that brief rally, New York managed only one baserunner between the second and seventh innings.
Manager Aaron Boone addressed the team’s offensive struggles: “We just weren’t able to mount enough, and couldn’t hold them down just enough.”
Schlittler blanked Tampa Bay from the second through most of the fifth inning before being removed after allowing a go-ahead single by Josh Lowe on an 0-2 pitch. He finished his start with seven hits allowed over 4 1/3 innings, issuing four walks and striking out five batters on 86 pitches (58 strikes). Reflecting on his performance compared to previous starts, Schlittler said: “I think the first two [starts] were a lot better than today.”
Cody Bellinger spoke positively about playing behind Schlittler: Bellinger lauded Schlittler’s poise and “electric” arsenal, saying that he is “fun to play behind.”
Boone commented on areas for improvement for Schlittler as he develops at the major league level. The pitcher relied heavily on his fastball—throwing it for nearly three quarters of his pitches—while using secondary pitches like his slider (13%), curveball (8%), sweeper (6%), and sinker (1%) less frequently. “I’m confident in the shapes. I think they’re good, plus pitches,” Schlittler said. “I’ve got to work on getting them in the zone a little bit more, putting them in better spots and better counts.”
General manager Brian Cashman has indicated ongoing efforts to address roster needs as injuries impact key players such as Aaron Judge, who is sidelined with a right flexor strain but avoided more serious injury. Judge is recovering from treatment and could resume batting practice by August 5 if eligible.
“We have no idea really what’s going to happen,” Bellinger said regarding potential moves before the trade deadline. “So we’re focusing on what we can focus on. That’s all we can really do.”
