Yankees Name Cam Schlittler Game 1 Starter Against Red Sox

The New York Yankees have announced that Cam Schlittler will start Game 1 of the American League wild-card series against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. The club opted to start their ace right-hander against his hometown team, foregoing an extra day of rest.

Schlittler, who finished the regular season with a 1.95 earned run average, will be pitching on his usual fifth day of rest. The Yankees considered giving him an additional day of rest, keeping in mind the long regular season and their hopes for an extended postseason run, but ultimately decided to utilize their top pitcher from the outset.

Last year, Schlittler pitched the series-clinching Game 3 of the AL wild-card series against the Red Sox and maintained his effectiveness against them this season, posting a 0.74 ERA across four starts. During the regular season, he pitched a career-high 193 2/3 innings. His performance statistics show a 2.21 ERA in 15 starts on four days' rest and a 1.42 ERA in 14 starts on five days' rest.

Max Fried is scheduled to start Game 2, with Gerrit Cole slated for Game 3.

Schlittler and Fried both participated in bullpen sessions on Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium amidst rainy conditions, which kept both pitchers in consideration for the Game 1 start before the club made its decision.