New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler is sidelined for several days during spring training due to mid-back inflammation. The 25-year-old right-hander, who impressed with a breakout 2025 season, remains confident despite the injury setback.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone disclosed the issue Thursday, stressing that while the injury is minor, the team must exercise caution. Schlittler has been managing the discomfort for several weeks and reported involvement of his left lat muscle, which can sometimes indicate a more serious concern.
I’ve been dealing with it for a little bit so I just want to make sure I’m on top of it and get ready for Opening Day,
Schlittler told reporters.
After undergoing tests with reassuring results, Schlittler will continue his rehabilitation by throwing on flat ground as he aims to return promptly.
Yankees’ Pitching Staff Faces Rotation Struggles
The timing of Schlittler’s inflammation poses a challenge for the Yankees’ pitching plans. The team already anticipates starting the season without Gerrit Cole, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Carlos Rodón, recovering from elbow surgery last October.
Rodón’s expected return is projected for late April or early May, while Cole targets a comeback during the first half of the season. Clarke Schmidt is also out due to recovery from UCL repair surgery performed last July.
Given these absences, Schlittler’s availability is critical for the Yankees’ opening rotation, which is forecasted to include Max Fried, Schlittler, Luis Gil, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers. The group relies heavily on Schlittler’s ongoing health and readiness.
Schlittler’s Rapid Progression from Prospect to Key Starter
Schlittler’s swift ascendancy makes his injury a serious concern for the Yankees. Starting the 2025 season at Double-A Somerset, he quickly advanced to Triple-A and was called up to the majors after only five starts with the RailRiders.
He debuted in the majors on July 9 and impressed with a 4-3 record and a 2.96 ERA over 14 starts, leveraging a 98 mph fastball to tally 84 strikeouts against 31 walks in 73 innings.
His postseason exploits cemented his potential, delivering eight shutout innings with 12 strikeouts in the decisive Game 3 of the Wild Card Series against Boston. This performance made him just the tenth pitcher in modern baseball to record multiple quality starts when facing elimination.
Schlittler pitched 164 innings last year, including playoff appearances, significantly exceeding his previous career high of 120⅔ innings, a workload that may contribute to his current physical strain. After the playoffs, he took a four-week break before resuming his throwing regimen.
I feel like being over here now it’s like, ‘Hey, I’ve earned that role. I’m going to go out there. I know exactly what I need to do,’
Schlittler reflected on his rise from prospect to rotation mainstay.
Boone noted Schlittler had progressed faster than expected this spring, including finishing a two-inning live batting practice session. The manager expressed hope that the inflammation will not significantly hamper his preparation.
He’s felt a little tweak here and there,
Boone said.
I don’t think it’ll slow him that much, but we just want to make sure we don’t turn it into something else.
Looking Ahead: Schlittler’s Role and Recovery
Schlittler aims to resume mound work next week while maintaining optimism about being ready for Opening Day. As the Yankees navigate a rotation stretched thin by injuries, monitoring Schlittler’s recovery will be paramount to their early-season hopes.
His ability to return without further setbacks could greatly influence the team’s pitching depth and overall competitiveness in the season’s early weeks.
