Yankees' Cam Schlittler Returns to Spring Training Mound After Injury Scare

The young pitcher is expected to be ready for Opening Day after dealing with back inflammation last week.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 10:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler has returned to the bullpen mound at spring training after dealing with a back/lat issue that sidelined him briefly last week. The 24-year-old is coming off a solid rookie season and is expected to be a key part of the Yankees' rotation this year, especially with injuries to other starters Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rondon.

Why it matters

The Yankees are hoping to make a deep playoff run in 2026 and need their young pitching staff to stay healthy. Schlittler's quick recovery from the minor injury is a positive sign for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The details

Schlittler was dealing with back inflammation last week that caused the Yankees to take him off the mound as a precaution. However, manager Aaron Boone said they didn't think it was a major issue and just wanted to get in front of it. Schlittler has now returned to the bullpen and is expected to be ready for Opening Day on March 25 against the San Francisco Giants.

  • Schlittler was dealing with the back/lat issue last week.
  • He has now returned to the bullpen mound at Yankees spring training.

The players

Cam Schlittler

A 24-year-old pitcher for the New York Yankees who is coming off a solid rookie season, going 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 14 starts.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

Gerrit Cole

A Yankees starting pitcher who is currently dealing with an elbow injury.

Carlos Rondon

Another Yankees starting pitcher who is out with an elbow issue.

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What they’re saying

“He was built up pretty good and we didn't shut him down at all, so he was still doing his flat ground when we took him off the mound. I don't think we thought it was a big issue, but more of one we wanted to get in front of, just in case.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager (NJ.com)

What’s next

Schlittler is expected to make his first start of the regular season on March 27 against the San Francisco Giants.

The takeaway

The Yankees' ability to quickly get Schlittler back on the mound after a minor injury scare is a positive sign for the team's pitching depth as they look to contend in the American League this season.