TAMPA — The New York Yankees are optimistic that Cam Schlittler will secure a spot in their starting rotation at the start of the season, even if he isn’t fully stretched out by Opening Day. Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence Wednesday that Schlittler will contribute, although he does not expect the right-hander to reach a typical starter’s pitch count immediately. This cautious approach comes after Schlittler’s spring training was disrupted by a back and lat injury, which, fortunately, did not sideline his throwing program.
Boone shared,
“I expect him to be good,”
while acknowledging,
“I don’t think he’ll be to 80-90 pitches yet.”
Schlittler resumed live batting practice facing hitters this week, scheduled to throw roughly one inning and 25 pitches for his first session back. Provided that goes smoothly, the plan calls for incremental increases with a two-inning outing soon after, then advancing to around three innings as his routine develops in the coming days.
Rotational Depth and Schedule Will Impact Schlittler’s Usage
The Yankees’ early-season schedule features some off days, which may allow them to ease Schlittler into action without rushing him into full innings immediately. Boone emphasized the importance of maintaining the rotation’s regular schedule despite this flexibility, seeking to keep arms active and healthy. Yet, he acknowledged the possibility of short outings or piggyback starts.
“I’ll take 70 pitches of Cam Schlittler,”
Boone remarked, adding,
“Especially with some of the off days you have. Even if you’re in a piggyback situation for a time or two, sign me up for that. But yeah, I guess that’s possible.”
At 25 years old, Schlittler enters his second major league season amid high expectations following a promising rookie year. His 2.96 ERA over 14 starts between the majors and minors reflected a career-high workload that also included a strong postseason performance highlighted by a dominant start against the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series.
Rotation Outlook and Potential Contingencies
Currently, Schlittler’s role in the projected Opening Day rotation is shaped by the absence of key starters Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt—all on the injured list at the moment. Alongside Schlittler, the rotation includes Max Fried, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers, and Luis Gil. Fried and Warren are also managing significant workloads, while Weathers and Gil have histories of injuries that add an element of uncertainty.
If additional rotation injuries occur before Cole or Rodón return—expected sometime in the season’s first half—the Yankees have options such as swingmen Ryan Yarbrough or Paul Blackburn who could step into starting roles. Meanwhile, promising pitching prospects Elmer Rodríguez and Carlos Lagrange have impressed during spring training camp, though the organization prefers to provide them further seasoning in the minor leagues before entrusting them with major league innings.
Utility Player Oswaldo Cabrera’s Progress and Bench Uncertainty
Meanwhile, utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera is progressing in his recovery from a severe ankle fracture and may be ready to make his spring debut near the end of next week. Boone noted improvement in Cabrera’s conditioning and explosiveness as he ramps back up.
“He’s doing really well. I feel like he’s made real improvement the last couple of weeks. I know he’s starting to feel really good. It’s just getting that last level of burst,”
Boone said.
The Yankees are cautiously managing Cabrera’s return, as he holds a minor league option. His status for Opening Day remains uncertain and depends on his readiness. Should Cabrera not be available, alternatives like Max Schuemann or Paul DeJong could fill in as reserves capable of covering shortstop and outfield positions on the bench.
Anthony Volpe’s Rehabilitation Timeline and Hitting Progress
Shortstop Anthony Volpe has begun hitting off a tee as part of his rehabilitation following shoulder surgery that will keep him on the injured list to start the season. His swing progression started with dry swings before advancing to tee work; however, he has yet to return to live batting practice. Boone cautioned that Volpe remains several weeks from being able to perform more demanding movements such as diving catches that would fully test his repaired shoulder.
Volpe’s gradual recovery timeline underscores the cautious approach the Yankees are adopting to protect their infield depth, particularly given the early uncertainty around their rotation and bench availability due to injuries and players returning from surgeries.
Implications for the Yankees’ Early Campaign and Depth Management
Cam Schlittler’s likely inclusion in the Yankees’ season-opening rotation, despite the setbacks and limited pitch readiness, reflects the team’s need to balance hopeful young talent with injury-induced roster gaps. Should Schlittler demonstrate enough effectiveness in his limited innings early on, the Yankees will have stability in a rotation lacking some of its top arms. Boone’s open-mindedness toward piggyback starts or shortened outings signals the team’s flexible approach to managing pitcher workloads amid injury uncertainty.
Similarly, the status of versatile players like Cabrera and Volpe will significantly influence the Yankees’ depth on both sides of the ball. Their recovery progress may determine the availability of bench options and the overall roster shape heading into the first half of the season. For now, the team remains cautiously optimistic as it navigates these challenges during spring training, aiming for a competitive rotation and solid bench depth when Opening Day arrives.
