Yankees' Playoff Rotation Unsettled as Cam Schlittler's Game 1 Start Remains Undecided

The New York Yankees' playoff rotation remains in flux less than a week before the wild-card series begins, with pitching coach Matt Blake stating that Cam Schlittler may not start Game 1 on Tuesday. Blake indicated that Max Fried is in "heavy consideration" for the opening start, while Schlittler, who made his final regular-season start Thursday, is also being considered.

Gerrit Cole, a Cy Young winner, is not guaranteed a start in the wild-card series, according to Blake. He added that Game 3 would likely go to either Cole or Carlos Rodón, with both pitchers having performed well late in the season. Blake emphasized that the team is evaluating all four pitchers to determine the best fit for their opponent, whose identity is also not yet confirmed as Boston has not clinched the fifth spot in the American League.

Factors such as pitcher rest are being taken into account. If Schlittler were to start Game 1, he would be pitching on his fifth day of rest. Cole would be on his sixth day, while Fried and Rodón would be on their seventh.

Schlittler concluded his first full major league season with an American League-best 1.95 ERA and 239 strikeouts, the third-best ERA in franchise history. Blake acknowledged that the team might be overthinking the decision, stating, "He's earned the right to pitch Game 1." However, the team wants to ensure they give themselves the best chance to advance in the best-of-three series.

Blake also noted that if Cole is not utilized as one of the three starters or out of the bullpen in the wild-card series, he would be available for a potential American League Division Series matchup. The Yankees are considering carrying all four starters on the wild-card roster, though Blake cautioned about the challenges of using pitchers in unfamiliar roles, particularly out of the bullpen, where they would likely get only one appearance during the series.