Cam Schlittler’s short outing clouds Yankees’ postseason plans despite 10-9 win
Rookie right-hander exited before the fifth inning after five walks and a two-run homer as New York held on to beat Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS — Cam Schlittler’s push to earn a postseason rotation spot took a step back Tuesday when the rookie right-hander failed to get through the fifth inning in the New York Yankees’ 10-9 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Schlittler, who has been in the mix as a potential Game 3 option behind presumed rotation anchors Max Fried and Carlos Rodón, struggled with command throughout the start. He issued two walks in the first that led to a run, then retired 11 straight batters before running into trouble in the fifth. No. 9 hitter James Outman hit a two-run homer and Schlittler followed by walking three of the next four batters, prompting his exit. The five walks were a career high for the right-hander, who was known as a strike thrower in the minor leagues.
"That’s obviously the goal [to pitch in the playoffs]," Schlittler said after the game. "You’re not going to get those opportunities when you walk five against a team that’s not even in the race. Just got to be better with that and keep working over these next few starts." Schlittler called the sequence "embarrassing," saying he tried to "get too picky" with a big lead.
New York manager Aaron Boone did not commit to a postseason rotation but has indicated Fried and Rodón figure to be the first two starters. Schlittler’s short outing — in which the Yankees had already built a nine-run advantage — reduced his margin for error as the regular season winds down and the club seeks to lock up a likely wild-card berth.
The Yankees labored late but held on to win 10-9. Giancarlo Stanton, who had been mired in a 6-for-51 stretch over 15 games entering Tuesday, delivered a pair of singles and a sacrifice fly. Boone said Stanton has "held up well, physically" and suggested the veteran slugger can regain his recent offensive form.
Aaron Judge started in right field for the second straight day, marking the first back-to-back starts in right since his return from a right elbow flexor strain. The lineup moves reflect New York’s efforts to balance player health down the stretch while preserving options for October.
Off the field, Major League Baseball’s planned two-game London series next June between the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays was canceled because of scheduling conflicts at West Ham’s Olympic Stadium, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. The decision removes an international showcase from next season’s schedule but does not affect the Yankees’ immediate postseason push.
Schlittler, a rookie whose command had been a strength in the minors, faces a short window to reinforce his case for a postseason role. With the Yankees still jockeying for position, the team will lean on its veteran staff while monitoring Schlittler’s next starts as it closes the regular season.