Yankees' Cam Schlittler passes first test after dealing with back issue

Schlittler completed a bullpen session that, with a positive recovery, should put him back on track in his buildup to start the season on time.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Cam Schlittler, a Yankees pitcher, completed a bullpen session on Tuesday after dealing with mid-back/left lat inflammation over the past week. The team had slowed him down as a precaution, but the successful bullpen session indicates he should be able to resume his regular throwing progression and be ready for the start of the regular season.

Why it matters

Schlittler is a top pitching prospect for the Yankees, so his health and ability to prepare for the season is important for the team's pitching depth. The Yankees wanted to be cautious with the minor back issue to ensure it didn't turn into something more serious that could delay his readiness for the start of the season.

The details

Schlittler had been ahead of some other pitchers in his throwing progression before the Yankees decided to keep him off the mound for a few days as a precaution. The expectation is that he should only need one or two more bullpen sessions before he can resume facing hitters in spring training games.

  • On Tuesday, Schlittler completed a successful bullpen session.
  • Over the past week, the Yankees had slowed down Schlittler's throwing program due to the mid-back/left lat inflammation.

The players

Cam Schlittler

A top pitching prospect for the New York Yankees who was dealing with a minor back issue that the team wanted to be cautious with during spring training.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, who provided an update on Schlittler's status and progression.

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What they’re saying

“Again, something we weren't overly concerned about. Just being where we are on the calendar, just wanted to make sure it didn't turn into something bigger.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager

What’s next

With the successful bullpen session, the expectation is that Schlittler should only need one or two more bullpen sessions before he can resume facing hitters in spring training games, putting him back on track to start the regular season on time.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the Yankees' proactive approach to managing minor injuries and health concerns with their top pitching prospects during spring training, in order to ensure they are fully prepared and ready to contribute when the regular season begins.