Yankees' Plan for 2025 Breakout Star has Disaster Written All Over it

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Feb 25, 2026 10:04 PM ET

New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler was dealing with back discomfort early in spring training. According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, the right-handed hurler threw 25 pitches to hitters on Wednesday, a significant step forward amid the previous injury concern.

"Aaron Boone said Schlittler should be ready for the beginning of the season, though he probably won’t be fully built up in terms of stamina," Hoch shared as part of the update.

Hoch also revealed a direct quote from Yankees manager Aaron Boone in reference to the Schlittler situation.

"I’ll take 70 pitches of Cam Schlittler. Especially with some of the off-days you have, even if you’re in a piggyback situation for a time or two, sign me up for that," Boone said.

The Yankees are seemingly planning to let Schlittler pitch in competitive regular season games without fully being built up for the season. Pitching in low-stress spring training contests is the way to build up. If Schlittler needs more time, sending him to the minor leagues for a start or two would make far more sense.

The Yankees' Cam Schlittler plan has disaster written all over it. Hopefully the starter can avoid an injury setback, but one has to wonder if New York will change the plan later in spring training.

Yankees' Questionable Cam Schlittler Plan

New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31)© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Schlittler enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, pitching to a 2.96 ERA across 14 outings. He played a significant role in the Yankees' success amid the team's pitching injuries. Both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon are expected to return early in the '26 regular season, so New York's rotation features serious potential. Of course, Max Fried is an ace-caliber southpaw as well.

So, why would the Yankees even risk having a less-than-ready Schlittler start the season in the big leagues? Wouldn't giving him a rehab start or two in the minor leagues be the best decision?

Boone's comment about being open to accepting "70 pitches" from Schlittler would be understandable in a stretch run or postseason series. Those comments being made in February in reference to the start of the regular season is shocking, however.

Things can change. Perhaps the Yankees will shift gears. For now, though, it seems as if New York is planning to have Cam Schlittler open the season in the starting rotation even if he is not fully built up. Pitch count or not, it's a risky decision to say the least.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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