Yankees Pitcher Cam Schlittler Dealing With Back Injury

Schlittler, a breakout star in the 2025 playoffs, is being held off the mound for now due to back inflammation.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The New York Yankees have received concerning news about one of their young pitchers, Cam Schlittler, who is dealing with back tightness and inflammation. Schlittler, who made his MLB debut last July and helped stabilize the Yankees' rotation in the 2025 playoffs, will be held off the mound for the time being as the team monitors his injury.

Why it matters

Schlittler emerged as a key contributor for the Yankees last season, and his health will be crucial as the team looks to defend its AL East title in 2026. The Yankees are already dealing with injuries to other starting pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, so Schlittler's status bears close watching.

The details

According to manager Aaron Boone, Schlittler has "felt a tweak here and there" in his back and is dealing with inflammation in the middle of his back. The team will keep him off the mound for now but he will continue throwing as they evaluate the injury.

  • Schlittler made his MLB debut in July 2025.
  • Schlittler helped the Yankees reach the playoffs in 2025 with a strong postseason performance.
  • The Yankees open the 2026 regular season on March 25 against the San Francisco Giants.

The players

Cam Schlittler

A young pitcher who emerged as a breakout star for the Yankees in the 2025 postseason, posting a 2.96 ERA in 14 regular-season starts.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

Gerrit Cole

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is expected to miss regular-season starts due to an elbow injury.

Carlos Rodon

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is expected to miss regular-season starts due to an elbow injury.

Clarke Schmidt

A Yankees pitcher who is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season due to a UCL injury.

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What they’re saying

“Cam Schlittler has 'felt a tweak here and there' and is dealing with inflammation in the middle of his back, Aaron Boone said. They are going to keep him off the mound for now but he will continue throwing.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Yankees will continue to monitor Schlittler's back injury and determine when he can return to the mound. His first meaningful start is still over a month away when the Yankees open the regular season on March 25 against the San Francisco Giants.

The takeaway

Schlittler's health will be crucial for the Yankees as they look to defend their AL East title in 2026, especially with other key pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon also dealing with injuries. The team will need to carefully manage Schlittler's recovery to ensure he is ready to contribute when the regular season begins.