The New York Yankees advanced to the American League Division Series after a commanding performance by rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler, who struck out 12 batters in eight shutout innings during Game 3 of the Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox on October 5, 2023. This victory marked the Yankees’ first postseason series win after losing the opening game, a feat that had not been achieved since the 12-team postseason format was introduced in 2022.
Schlittler’s emergence as a key player for the Yankees came after the team made a bold decision not to acquire a starting pitcher at the recent trade deadline. Instead, they released veteran Marcus Stroman and chose to rely on the rookie as their No. 5 starter. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in Schlittler’s performance, stating, “Every time he has taken the ball, I feel so good about him that he’s capable of the play because he is such a good strike thrower.”
Standing at 6-foot-6 and initially drafted in the seventh round in 2022, Schlittler’s development has been remarkable. While he recorded an average fastball of around 90 mph during his college years at Northeastern University, he reached speeds of up to 100 mph during the Wild Card game. His performance included an average fastball speed of 98.9 mph, showcasing a significant improvement from previous seasons.
The Red Sox struggled against high-velocity pitching throughout the season, particularly after the injury to outfielder Roman Anthony. Schlittler’s fastball presented a challenge for Boston, as they ranked among the worst teams in baseball when facing pitches over 95 mph. Despite allowing leadoff runners on base in several innings, Schlittler maintained control and did not allow a single run or a runner to reach third base.
In a historic achievement, Schlittler became the first pitcher in postseason history to throw eight shutout innings while recording 12 strikeouts without issuing a walk. His impressive outing drew comparisons to legendary performances, including that of Livan Hernandez, who struck out 15 batters in a single postseason game in 1997.
Reflecting on his performance, Schlittler stated, “I woke up and I was locked in. I knew exactly what I needed to do and go out there, especially against my hometown team.” He acknowledged the passionate support of Yankee fans, noting the electric atmosphere at Yankee Stadium and how it fueled his performance.
Schlittler’s success is a testament to the Yankees’ player development system, particularly following the loss of ace pitcher Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery earlier in the season. Schlittler’s rise has positioned him as a valuable asset behind established pitchers Max Fried and Carlos Rodón in the Yankees’ rotation.
As the Yankees prepare for the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays, who edged them out for the division title, Schlittler’s contributions will be crucial. While he may not start again until a potential Game 4 of the series, his pivotal role in securing the Wild Card Series victory cannot be overstated. The Yankees now look to build on this momentum as they aim for a deeper postseason run.