The New York Yankees are laser-focused right now: clinch a playoff spot, snag the top wild card to host the first-round series, and keep everyone healthy heading into October baseball.
Beyond that, manager Aaron Boone faces a key puzzle—who starts Game 3 in the wild card round, or even Game 1 of the ALDS if the Yankees advance further. Max Fried and Carlos Rodón look locked in for Games 1 and 2, with Rodón shining in Saturday’s 6-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, tossing seven strong innings.
The battle for that third spot boils down to rookies Cam Schlittler and Luis Gil, with Will Warren as a longer shot. The Yankees might need four starters if they go deep in the playoffs, so Boone is watching every pitch closely.
Schlittler gets his big chance Sunday against the Orioles, his second-to-last regular-season start. If the rotation stays on track, he’ll pitch his finale next Saturday, positioning him perfectly for a Game 3 on normal rest the following Thursday—if the wild card series goes that far.
Gil takes the mound Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox. The Yankees could skip his final start on Sunday if the game’s meaningless, saving him for the postseason spotlight. Last year, the 2023 Rookie of the Year warmed up for ALDS relief duty but ended up starting Game 4 of the ALCS and World Series instead.
Boone emphasized performance above all. “They’re each going to have a few more starts, so hopefully they put us in a tough spot by performing well,” he said this week. Matchups matter too—the potential first-round foes include the Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, and Cleveland Guardians. Boone is scouting how his pitchers handle specific teams and even bullpen roles.
Schlittler’s high-90s fastball could thrive in relief, but the Yankees value his starter potential. The 24-year-old has mostly started in the pros, with just four minor-league relief outings—all covering for injured big leaguers. No worries about playoff nerves, though. “He’s a tough kid, confident, and invested in learning from every outing,” Boone said. “He’s grown a ton and keeps building that confidence.”
Strike-throwing could decide it all. Schlittler commanded the zone well in the minors and majors until issuing five walks in his last start against the Minnesota Twins. Gil, back from an August lat injury, has struggled with control, walking more batters and generating fewer swings-and-misses than his rookie year.
Workload is another watch point for Schlittler. He topped out at 120 2/3 innings last season but has already hit 137 1/3 this year. “I feel good,” he said. “I’ve gone over my career high, so I’m staying on top of recovery, but my body feels solid.” As the Yankees chase that top wild card, these decisions will shape their postseason push.
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