New York Yankees ace Cam Schlittler experienced a rare off-night on Monday, suffering through his shortest start of the season against the Cardinals. Schlittler surrendered four earned runs on three innings, walking a season-high five batters. His control faltered, a stark contrast to his recent strong performances where he allowed only one run over 13 2/3 innings against the Phillies and White Sox.
Schlittler's outing on August 3, 2026, marked the second-shortest start of his career. He gave up a two-run home run to Alec Burleson in the first inning and allowed further scoring with an RBI double from José Fermin in the second and an RBI single from Nathan Church in the third. By the time he was removed, Schlittler had thrown 83 pitches, with only 51 strikes, for nine outs. His earned run average increased from 2.04 to 2.26.
With the trade deadline passing without external pitching additions, the Yankees are increasingly reliant on the returns of Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt. Rodón, sidelined by left elbow inflammation, completed two innings of live batting practice on Monday. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Rodón could make a minor league rehab appearance as early as Saturday. General Manager Brian Cashman stated Rodón might return this month and suggested that current starters Ryan Weathers or Will Warren could transition to the bullpen. Cashman also noted that Carlos Lagrange is unlikely to recover from his shoulder injury in time to contribute this season.
Schmidt, recovering from Tommy John surgery last year, is scheduled for three innings of live batting practice on Tuesday. The Yankees are preparing him for a shorter role, focusing on getting him ready for relief duty. "He’s close to being in the mix," Boone said of Schmidt. "He’s had that [bullpen] experience before. Hopefully it serves him well."
In other roster moves, Max Schuemann was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room for Luis García Jr. Boone acknowledged Schuemann's contributions but stated he was the "odd man out" for now. The Yankees will need to make another roster adjustment when Heliot Ramos, a recent trade deadline acquisition, joins the team.