Cam Schlittler, a promising right-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees, is poised to make his Major League Baseball debut on Wednesday night against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium. This opportunity comes on the heels of Clarke Schmidt’s unfortunate elbow injury, which is expected to lead to Tommy John surgery, leaving a gap in the Yankees’ rotation.
Standing impressive at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 225 pounds, Schlittler is set to join a rotation that currently includes Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, and Will Warren. Additionally, right-handed starter Luis Gil, who has been sidelined with a lat strain, is anticipated to begin a minor league rehab assignment soon, potentially rejoining the Yankees in about four weeks.
Drafted by the Yankees in the seventh round of the 2022 Draft from Northeastern University, Schlittler is recognized as the Yankees’ 10th best overall prospect and seventh best pitcher according to MLB Pipeline. His four-pitch arsenal, highlighted by a fastball that reaches 98 mph, has been a key factor in his ascent through the Yankees’ farm system. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Schlittler’s fastball, emphasizing its potential to contribute significantly to his success in the league.
Schlittler made a notable impression during spring training, showcasing his skills against top-tier lineups and earning accolades from the coaching staff. Boone acknowledged Schlittler’s strong performance last year, crediting his impressive work as a pivotal reason for his MLB debut.
In the minors, Schlittler had a solid stint with Class AA Somerset, where he recorded a 2.38 ERA over ten games, leading to his promotion to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Although his last start was less impressive, he previously exhibited great form with a 3.80 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 23.2 innings.
As Schlittler prepares to take the mound in his debut, both he and the Yankees are hopeful that his talent can translate into success at the major league level. Fans are undoubtedly excited to see what this rising star can bring to the team in the coming games.