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Cam Schlittler's extraordinary regular season came to a close on Thursday night, leaving an indelible mark on Yankees history with a 1.95 ERA. "It's been special," Schlittler remarked, "but there's always work to be done."
With another high-stakes postseason on the horizon, Schlittler is slated to start either Game 1 or Game 2 of a best-of-three Wild Card series, potentially against the rival Red Sox. Despite his stellar performance, the Yankees have not yet officially named him the Game 1 starter. "Obviously, he's earned the right to pitch Game 1," pitching coach Matt Blake said before Thursday night's 6-4 win over the AL East champion Rays at Yankee Stadium. Blake explained that the decision was more about ensuring Schlittler got through Thursday's abbreviated start (three innings, 70 pitches, one earned run) to prepare him for Tuesday on regular rest.
However, the Yankees' first-round rotation remains unsettled. Options include Max Fried or Gerrit Cole in Game 1 and Schlittler in Game 2, or even Carlos Rodón—impressive down the stretch—in Game 3 if necessary. Blake noted that the team could carry all four starters on a Wild Card roster or leave one off to start a potential best-of-five Division Series opener.
In any scenario, it appears the Yankees want Schlittler for Games 2 and 5 of a Division Series at Tampa Bay, given his sensational 1.16 road ERA in 17 starts. "He's become an ace in every facet," manager Aaron Boone said, witnessing Schlittler fashion one of the really outstanding seasons by a Yankees pitcher. And that's saying a lot.
When asked about next week, the 25-year-old Schlittler said, "Who wouldn't want to start the first game of a playoff series." Especially against the rival Red Sox, whose 2025 season was ended by the lanky right-hander with an electric arsenal in last year's Wild Card series. "Whatever Boonie decides, that's the way we're going to roll," Schlittler said, ready for any assignment.
Key Analysis
With a nor'easter-induced doubleheader scheduled against Baltimore on Friday, ahead of Sunday's Game 162 finale, the Yankees have recalled Brendan Beck to start Friday's opener. In line with his postseason role, Will Warren will enter the nightcap at some point in relief, and the Yankees have optioned Bradley Hanner and Luis Gil—both of whom pitched Thursday and are not Wild Card roster options.
With the ability to set up their formidable rotation any way they choose, Blake said it's in the conversation to keep the Big Four starters on a Wild Card roster. Fried is in heavy consideration for one of the first two games, per Blake, with Rodón as a potential Game 3 option. And if all four starters make the cut, there needs to be a clear-cut plan for potentially using one of them in a relief role. "Because you probably get one shot if you're going to use one of these starters out of the pen," Blake said.
One can imagine the uproar around Yankees Universe if Schlittler isn't handed the ball in Game 1, especially since he feels "great" after 33 starts and a career-high 193.2 innings. "I feel like I'm in a really good spot," said Schlittler, who finished 2026 with the lowest ERA of any Yankees' starter since Ron Guidry's 1.74 in a magical 1978 season. Schlittler's 239 strikeouts tied Jack Chesbro (in 1904) for the fourth most strikeouts by a Yankee pitcher in franchise history. "He just believes he's going to get every single hitter out," catcher Austin Wells said. "And as a hitter, you feel that, too."
George Lombard Jr.'s Night to Remember
The late innings belonged to rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. on Thursday night. Contributing an RBI double in the seventh and a go-ahead, no-doubt two-run homer in the eighth, Lombard also stole a run with some deft baserunning. Lombard stole a run in the seventh, hesitating and then leaping over a tag by catcher Liam Hicks, getting his hand on the plate to score on a wild pitch. "I was in trouble. Had to figure something out," said Lombard, who might've put his old soccer skills into play. "I think it's my first time ever doing that (play) in a game." Lombard also has four homers in his last seven games since Sept. 18, and he's batting .310 (13-for-42) over his last 10 games, with a .989 OPS.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: With an historic regular season behind him, Yankees' Cam Schlittler is ready for an October run.
Originally reported by yahoo.