The New York Yankees are facing growing concerns about Cam Schlittler’s health after it emerged that he has been managing soreness in his opposite-arm lat since the summer of 2025. While this injury might not be severe at the moment, its persistence over multiple months raises questions about its seriousness and the team’s transparency with fans regarding his status.
Schlittler initially skipped a bullpen session at the start of spring training camp due to soreness described as mid-back and lat discomfort. Although he never stopped pitching throughout the offseason, he reduced the effort and has yet to face hitters or participate in live Grapefruit League games, indicating that he remains behind schedule in his development.
Details of Schlittler’s Injury History and Current Status
The pain reportedly lessened after the Yankees’ postseason ended in October 2025 but returned when Schlittler arrived in Florida this February for spring training.
“I didn’t really take enough time off (in late October). I never gave it a chance to feel 100 percent,”
Schlittler admitted during an interview with Bob Klapisch as he balanced expectations and recovery.
Despite the ongoing discomfort, the soreness has not affected Schlittler’s throwing arm nor his ability to build velocity, allowing him to maintain some progress. However, the injury has hindered his ability to learn new pitches during the offseason—a plan the team has now downplayed due to this setback. There is also a growing possibility he could begin the 2026 season on the Injured List if he does not enter live pitching soon, adding strain to a rotation already missing Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole due to injuries.
Implications for the Yankees and Fans’ Trust in Injury Updates
Cam Schlittler’s experience highlights the challenges the Yankees face with injury management and communication. His decision to keep pushing through the soreness after its initial flare-up in 2025 shows a willingness to compete but may have prolonged recovery.
“after a late-summer flare up in 2025,”
Slow progress remains preferable to no progress, and the Yankees’ depth may help absorb early-season pitching disruptions. Still, the revelation that Schlittler’s lingering injury dates back to the middle of his breakout year underscores why fans are often skeptical of official updates. This situation may cause tension between the team’s need to protect young talent and fans’ desire for honesty about player health moving forward.
Left lat** and not concerned at all. Gonna be a great upcoming week!
— Cam (@Cam31Schlittler) February 12, 2026
[Phillips] Cam Schlittler said he and the Yankees are “not too worried about” adding a changeup or splitter anymore. Doesn’t mean he won’t eventually, but he and the team instead focused on improving the orientation of his four-seamer and curveball this offseason.
byu/TheTurtleShepard inNYYankees
