Yankees Pitcher Cam Schlittler Dealing with Back and Lat Issues

Schlittler to skip bullpen sessions as he manages minor inflammation and injury

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler is managing back inflammation and a lat issue, causing him to skip some bullpen sessions. Manager Aaron Boone and Schlittler both described the injury as minor, with Schlittler saying his concern is "zero." The 25-year-old made his MLB debut last season and is expected to be a key part of the Yankees' rotation, though the team will be without ace Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón to start the season.

Why it matters

Schlittler emerged as a promising young pitcher for the Yankees last season, and his health will be crucial as the team navigates the absences of Cole and Rodón to start the year. Any setbacks for Schlittler could further deplete the Yankees' starting rotation depth.

The details

Schlittler said he first felt the issue a few weeks ago, describing it as minor inflammation that may also involve his lat muscle. He hopes to return to the mound next week. Schlittler pitched 164 innings last year between the regular season and playoffs, well above his previous professional high of 120.2 innings in 2024. The Yankees' projected opening day rotation includes Schlittler, Max Fried, Luis Gil, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers.

  • Schlittler made his MLB debut on July 9, 2025.
  • Schlittler pitched 8 shutout innings against Boston in the 2025 Wild Card Series.
  • Schlittler allowed 4 runs (2 earned) over 6.1 innings in the 2025 Division Series vs. Toronto.

The players

Cam Schlittler

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees who made his MLB debut in 2025 and is expected to be a key part of their rotation this season.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

Gerrit Cole

The Yankees' ace pitcher who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected to return until sometime in the first half of the 2026 season.

Carlos Rodón

A Yankees pitcher who is regaining arm strength following an operation to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and shave a bone spur, and is not likely to return until May 2026.

Clarke Schmidt

A Yankees pitcher who will miss much of the 2026 season following UCL repair surgery on July 11.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've been dealing with it for a little bit so I just want to make sure I'm on top of it and get ready for opening day.”

— Cam Schlittler (sfchronicle.com)

“Obviously we're very excited about him and expect him to be a key part of our rotation and still expect.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

Schlittler hopes to pitch off a mound next week as he continues to manage the minor back and lat issues.

The takeaway

Schlittler's health will be crucial for the Yankees as they navigate the absences of aces Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón to start the season. Any setbacks for the young pitcher could further deplete the team's starting rotation depth.