Yankees' Cam Schlittler Shines in Record-Setting Start

The young pitcher continues to impress despite early health concerns.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:08pm

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New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler has gotten off to a historic start to the 2026 season, striking out 15 batters and allowing zero runs or walks over his first two starts. This comes after Schlittler dealt with back issues during spring training, but he has managed to maintain his elite velocity and efficiency on the mound so far.

Why it matters

Schlittler's dominant performances have helped the Yankees to a 5-1 record, the third-fewest runs allowed by any team over the first six games of the season. His ability to pitch through early health concerns and establish new franchise records has been a major boost for the Yankees as they look to return to the playoffs.

The details

In his first two starts, the 23-year-old Schlittler has struck out 15 batters and allowed zero runs or walks, becoming the first pitcher in Yankees history to accomplish that feat. He capped his most recent outing by retiring the final 15 batters he faced, leading the Yankees to a 5-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Schlittler's fastball reached 98.2 mph on Wednesday, showing he has maintained his elite velocity despite the back issues that slowed him during spring training.

  • Schlittler struck out 12 Boston Red Sox batters during a high-powered AL Wild Card Series-clinching performance last October.
  • Schlittler won his first two starts of the 2026 season, establishing a new franchise record.
  • On Wednesday, Schlittler pitched 6.1 innings, retiring the final 15 batters he faced, in a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners.

The players

Cam Schlittler

A 23-year-old pitcher for the New York Yankees who has gotten off to a historic start to the 2026 season, striking out 15 batters and allowing zero runs or walks over his first two starts.

Paul Goldschmidt

The Yankees' first baseman, who acknowledged that it has been a good week for the team but cautioned that there is still a long season ahead.

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What’s next

Schlittler will look to continue his strong start when he takes the mound again later this week.

The takeaway

Cam Schlittler's historic start to the 2026 season, despite early health concerns, has been a major boost for the New York Yankees as they aim to return to the playoffs. His ability to maintain elite velocity and efficiency on the mound has helped the team get off to a 5-1 record, the third-fewest runs allowed by any team over the first six games.