The Yankees' 1.62 ERA starter has been their biggest success this season

After another victory, the New York Yankees improve to 8-2 through the first 10 games of the season. It was starting pitcher Cam Schlittler’s turn to take the mound, and he did not disappoint in his third start of the season. 

After taking care of business against the struggling San Francisco Giants on March 27, and then one of the best lineups in all of baseball, on paper, in the Seattle Mariners on April 1, it was now time to face the questionable Athletics. Schlittler threw 84 pitches over five innings of work and allowed five hits. His shutout streak was snapped as he allowed a season-high three earned runs, increasing his ERA to 1.62. 

He showed some nasty stuff with his sinker, and the Athletics could not get a read on it. Hitting over 98 MPH, Schlittler was able to get 18 swinging strikes and 8 called strikes from the 32 pitches he threw. Despite allowing three runs, he was still able to have a major impact on this game. After three starts, he is getting some serious praise for his outstanding pitch variety.

With ace pitcher Gerrit Cole’s return still in limbo in terms of when, the Yankees have found themselves a fantastic 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. Both Schlittler and Max Fried, as the current ace, are having superb starts. If manager Aaron Boone were smart, he would ride the hot hands for as long as he can, even after Cole returns to 100% health. 

Schlittler is making a serious case for the AL Cy Young, as is his teammate Fried. This friendly competition is going to do nothing but help out the Yankees as they are on the hunt for their 28th World Series title. 

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