Rookie Cam Schlittler Tapped as Yankees' Game 3 Starter, Poised to Deliver After Impressive Debut Season

Rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler, a 24-year-old Massachusetts native who always dreamed of playing for the Yankees, has been named the Game 3 starter for New York in the decisive AL Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox. Manager Aaron Boone expressed full confidence, stating Schlittler is "ready to roll" and won't find the moment "too big for him." Schlittler, who knew of his start from public reports, posted a 2.96 ERA (3.74 FIP) and 1.219 WHIP with 84 strikeouts in 73 innings over 14 starts since his big league debut before the All-Star break. Boone lauded him as "super coachable, accountable," and a "stabilizing force" with a "right competitive edge." His "big stuff" includes a 98 mph average fastball (95th percentile, used 54.8% of the time) and effective cutter and curveball, contributing to a 27.6% strikeout rate (82nd percentile). Schlittler's last regular season outing was his best, with seven shutout innings against Baltimore. He believes watching the Red Sox hitters in the previous games provided valuable mental insights, and Boone sees him as a long-term rotation piece.