NEW YORK – Mention the American League Cy Young Award to Cam Schlittler, and the conversation usually doesn’t last long. The Yankees right-hander prefers to remain focused on what he needs to do every five days, especially as his team closes in on securing a postseason berth.
Schlittler continued to deliver results in Sunday’s 2-0 win over the Mets, permitting just one hit over six splendid innings, but the outing ended in painful fashion – Bo Bichette lined a 111.5 mph comebacker that struck Schlittler on the back of his right leg.
The ball ricocheted toward catcher Austin Wells, who threw out Bichette at first base. Schlittler went directly to the clubhouse after the play, though at 94 pitches, his workload was likely complete anyway. Brent Headrick took over in the seventh inning.
Supported by Ben Rice’s team-leading 38th home run and Austin Wells’ third-inning solo shot, Schlittler held the Mets hitless until Brett Baty doubled off the base of the right-field wall in the fifth inning. Otherwise, Schlittler held them to two walks, striking out eight.
It was the 21st time in 31 starts that Schlittler has allowed no more than one run. Over the past 110 years, only three pitchers age 25 or younger have had at least that many in a season: Dean Chance (1964, 22), Blake Snell (2018, 21) and Babe Ruth (1916, 21).