Yankees Host Athletics in Pitching Duel

Cam Schlittler looks to continue strong start against Aaron Civale's Athletics

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the New York Yankees and (Sacramento) Athletics, conceptually representing the dynamic energy and multi-perspective nature of a baseball game between the two teams.A cubist interpretation of the pitching matchup between the Yankees and Athletics, capturing the dynamic energy of the game through a fractured, geometric lens.NYC Today

The New York Yankees host the (Sacramento) Athletics in a Tuesday night matchup at Yankee Stadium. Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler, who has been dominant through his first two starts, will take the mound against veteran Aaron Civale of the Athletics. Civale, who has bounced around the league in recent years, will look to slow down the hot-starting Yankees lineup.

Why it matters

This early-season game between the Yankees and Athletics features two pitchers heading in opposite directions. Schlittter has been lights-out to begin the year, while Civale is looking to regain his form after struggling in recent seasons. The outcome of this game could provide insight into whether the Yankees' strong start is sustainable and if the Athletics have the pitching depth to compete in the AL West.

The details

Schlittter, the 25-year-old Yankees right-hander, has yet to allow a run through his first 11.2 innings pitched this season, striking out 15 batters without issuing a walk. He's relied heavily on his fastball, throwing it 89% of the time. Civale, a 30-year-old journeyman, will make his second start of the year for the Athletics after allowing two runs in five innings in his first outing. Civale has a varied arsenal, featuring a cutter, sinker, slider, curveball and splitter, but has struggled against the Yankees in the past.

  • Cam Schlittter will make his third start of the season for the Yankees.
  • Aaron Civale will make his second start of the year for the Athletics.

The players

Cam Schlittter

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees who has been dominant through his first two starts of the season, posting 11.2 scoreless innings with 15 strikeouts and no walks.

Aaron Civale

A 30-year-old right-handed pitcher for the (Sacramento) Athletics who has bounced around the league in recent years, including a brief stint with the Cleveland Guardians in 2022. He'll make his second start of the season after allowing two runs in five innings in his first outing.

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What they’re saying

“Cam Schlittter has been almost untouchable through two starts, tossing 11.2 shutout innings without a walk and 15 strikeouts with his unorthodox fastball-heavy approach.”

— Michael Zeno, Writer

“Aaron Civale has been more of a contact pitcher for much of his career, with his strengths as a pitcher being his ability to limit barrels and walks.”

— Michael Zeno, Writer

What’s next

If Schlittter can continue his dominant start, it will be a strong sign that the Yankees' hot start is sustainable. A strong outing from Civale could indicate the Athletics have the pitching depth to compete in the AL West.

The takeaway

This early-season matchup between the Yankees and Athletics features two pitchers heading in opposite directions. Schlittter's dominance could signal the Yankees are for real, while Civale's performance will shed light on the Athletics' ability to compete in the AL West.