As the New York Yankees prepare for the postseason, the decision over their starting pitcher for Game 1 of the American League wild-card series remains unsettled less than a week before the playoffs begin. Cam Schlittler, who concluded his regular season with a Cy Young-caliber performance Thursday night, is one of the leading candidates but may be reserved for Game 2 instead. Manager Aaron Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake are still evaluating their options, weighing considerations such as rest and matchups.
Schlittler, who pitched an abbreviated 70-pitch outing in a 6-4 comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, expressed openness to whatever role he is given. “Who wouldn’t want to start the first game?” he said after the game. “I feel like the whole pitching staff deserves it. We’re all competitors. I’ll let [Aaron Boone] decide.” The Yankees face the Rays or Boston Red Sox in the wild-card round, with Boston’s fate still uncertain following their recent loss to Cleveland.
Blake confirmed that Max Fried is “in heavy consideration” to start Game 1, with Schlittler also under serious review. Boone emphasized the priority is winning the series and the entire postseason, saying, “He’s the guy we want with the ball. Whether it’s Game 1 or Game 2. You try to play out the whole [postseason]. You want to win the whole thing and want to have him have the most opportunities he can.” If withheld from the opener, Schlittler would likely pitch in Games 2 and 5 of the American League Division Series against the Rays; both contests would be on the road, where he has historically performed well.
Gerrit Cole’s role in the wild-card series also remains uncertain. Blake indicated that Game 3’s starter could be either Cole or Carlos Rodón, both of whom have pitched effectively late in the season. With four strong starting options, the coaching staff is carefully monitoring their availability and conditioning to optimize matchups. Rest is a significant factor: Schlittler would pitch on five days’ rest in Game 1, Cole on six, and Fried and Rodón on seven.
Despite Schlittler’s dominant first full season in the majors—finishing with a league-best 1.95 ERA and 239 strikeouts, the third-best ERA in Yankees history—Blake acknowledged the team’s approach involves more than just rewarding regular-season performance. “He’s earned the right to pitch Game 1,” Blake said, “but we’re taking inventory of all our starters and giving us the best chance to advance in the three-game series.”
Cole may find himself sidelined for the wild-card round but poised for a role in the ALDS. “If we don’t have him as one of our three starters or out of the pen, he’d be available for [ALDS],” Blake said. “I don’t know where we’d go.” With decisions still pending, the Yankees continue to balance competitive strategy with pitcher health as the postseason approaches.