New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler, who impressed fans after his mid-season call-up last year, was revealed by manager Aaron Boone to be dealing with a back injury as spring training began in Tampa. While initial reports detailed inflammation, further information suggested the issue might not be severe; nonetheless, given the Yankees’ vulnerable pitching rotation with several key players recovering from surgery, any health concerns generate heightened apprehension.
Boone explained,
Cam Schlittler has a little inflammation in his back. So, probably keep him off the mound for the next few days, at least. He’s going to continue to throw, no issues there. He’s continuing his throwing program, just something we are trying to stay ahead of.
Following Boone’s update, Schlittler clarified the specifics of his condition via social media, addressing uncertainties about which side of his back was affected.
In his own words, Schlittler wrote,
Left lat** and not concerned at all. Gonna be a great upcoming week! Left lat goes into the middle of the back just clarifying it’s my left side chat.
Schlittler’s Strong 2023 Season Anchors Yankees’ Pitching Staff
At 25 years old, Schlittler emerged as a key figure for the Yankees after joining the major league roster last July. He arrived after compiling an impressive 6-6 record with a 2.38 ERA at Double-A and Triple-A levels, smoothly transitioning to MLB competition. Last season, Schlittler posted a 4-3 record and held a 2.96 ERA while striking out 85 batters over 73 innings, providing much-needed stability to a pitching staff plagued by injuries and setbacks.
The level of concern regarding his current back issue largely stems from his indispensable role within the team.
Boone remarked,
Look, obviously, we’re very excited about him and expect him to be a key part of our rotation and still expect that from jump.
He also noted that medical evaluations have helped to ease worries about the severity of Schlittler’s injury.
According to Boone,
He had the tests done, kind of came back, good news. Just want to make sure we don’t turn this into something else. He’s felt a little tweak here and there. He has been doing his live—he’s one of those guys that’s already done two-ups and lives. So I don’t think it will slow him that much, but we just want to make sure we don’t turn it into something else.
Schlittler Expects to Return to Pitching Soon, Possibly Next Week
Schlittler shared additional details about his injury and recovery timeline, suggesting the Yankees could have him back on the mound early in the coming week. He described the pain as minor inflammation focused on his mid-back and lat muscle area, emphasizing the importance of managing the injury promptly to avoid further complications.
He explained,
Mid-back, minor inflammation, you know—more lat as well. Just making sure I am staying on top of that the next few days and getting ready for games. … Last year, some on and off stuff. You get through it. For now, it’s good to take care of it, make sure it doesn’t become something you start worry about.
When asked about how much the back issue affects him, Schlittler responded with confidence:
Zero, I’d say. Like, it’s early, been dealing with it a little bit, so I just want to make sure I am on top of it. Ready for Opening Day.
Potential Impact of Schlittler’s Health on Yankees Rotation
With three of the Yankees’ top four starting pitchers currently sidelined recovering from major surgeries, Schlittler’s health is crucial to the team’s hopes for a strong season. His ability to bounce back quickly from this back inflammation could bolster a rotation that has already faced significant challenges. Maintaining a cautious approach to his recovery while keeping him involved in throwing programs reflects the team’s desire to protect their promising young pitcher without losing momentum.
As spring training progresses, close monitoring of Schlittler’s condition will determine how much he can contribute early in the season, making his recovery status one of the more important storylines for the Yankees moving forward.
Left lat** and not concerned at all. Gonna be a great upcoming week!
— Cam (@Cam32Schlittler) February 12, 2026
