Cam Schlittler eager to prove himself with Gerrit Cole’s Yankees rotation spot open

BRADENTON, Fla. — Given the circumstances within the Yankees pitching staff, it will be a priority for the team to keep an eye on just about every starter they have in spring training. Even after a tough outing for Cam Schlittler against the Pirates that led to a 9-1 Yankees loss on Tuesday at LECOM Park, the right-hander looms as someone to watch even if he remains more on the outskirts of the competition for Gerrit Cole’s rotation spot.

Across the first two innings, the 24-year-old limited the Pirates to one hit while recording a strikeout. The third inning was a different story, as Schlittler allowed four hits — including two doubles, a home run and a single that led to a 4-0 Pirates lead. It was just his second spring start, and it followed a performance in which he allowed one earned run on two hits while striking out five and walking four in 4 1/3 innings.



Schlittler is aware of the gaping holes the Yankees have to fill and that he likely has more eyes on him now than ever. The seventh-round pick in the 2022 draft said he is ready to take whatever step comes next. “I mean obviously, I don’t know.

I haven’t had those conversations, but wherever I start, I’ll be ready for it,” Schlittler said. “I’m obviously very confident in myself but again, those opportunities will rise and if I just perform and stay healthy, then maybe I’ll get those opportunities. But if not, either way, I’ll be ready to go perform at the highest level.

” This is the first spring Schlittler is throwing against major leaguers and was invited to major league camp. After graduating from Northeastern, his career has been spent making his way through the ranks in the minors. He started in 17 games in High-A Hudson Valley last season, where he had a 2.

60 ERA. He also had five starts in Double-A and one with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for the Yankees. Across all three teams, he owned a 3.

36 ERA for the year. So far, Schlittler is soaking in all the major league experience he can get. “Obviously it’s important now before the season starts and all of that, but definitely good to face that competition now before the season comes around,” Schlittler said.

“So, wherever I start, it’s probably not going to be as good as those guys. “It’s good to kind of get that experience and challenge myself earlier than later.” Schlittler finished his Tuesday outing with seven hits allowed, four earned runs and two strikeouts across 3 1/3 innings.

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