NEW YORK -- There was nothing complicated about Cam Schlittler’s plan on Friday night: Here comes the heat, now try and hit it. For the most part, the Reds couldn’t.
The right-hander turned in one of the most overpowering performances of his young career in the Yankees’ 5-0 victory in the Bronx, registering a career-high 13 strikeouts. The outing lowered his American League-leading ERA to 1.71, continuing to fuel discussion of a potential All-Star nod.
“I think he should actually start the All-Star Game,” said Jazz Chisholm Jr., who homered in his return to the lineup. “He’s pretty laid-back, so I don’t know if he’s going to be super amped up for it, but I think it’d be pretty cool to see him out there pitching in the All-Star Game.”
Schlittler’s previous career high in strikeouts was 12, coming as he sent the Red Sox home from Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series. While Friday’s 96-pitch, six-inning effort didn’t carry playoff weight, it could help punch his ticket to the July 14 Midsummer Classic.
“It’s early. I’ve got a lot to work on,” Schlittler said. “We’ve got some really good pitchers in this clubhouse. The most I can do is go out there, stay healthy and consistent, and try to win this team some games.”
Though Yankees manager Aaron Boone counted the weeks between now and the All-Star Game, he acknowledged that Schlittler has a case as “the best pitcher in the American League right now.”
Josh Hart of the NBA champion Knicks was on that same wavelength, posting on X during Friday’s game: “Schlitty is the Cy Young winner hands down.” Schlittler accepted that praise with a shrug.
“That’s a good thing to hear,” Schlittler said. “Josh is a great guy. Obviously, I talked to him after their first playoff game. I’m pumped for him and the city of New York, just being able to finish that off. It’s great to have that support.”
Ben Rice added cushion with his team-leading 21st homer, a three-run shot. Rice and Schlittler were each drafted by Yankees scout Matt Hyde from what Boone referred to as “that hotbed” of Massachusetts collegiate baseball; soon, both could be first-time All-Stars.
At 25 years and 134 days, Schlittler became the youngest pitcher in Yankees history with at least 13 strikeouts and no walks in a game, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.
Additionally, Schlittler’s 1.71 ERA is the lowest by a Yankee through his first 16 starts of a season since Whitey Ford in 1964 (1.47) -- not that anyone in pinstripes seems particularly shocked.
“It’s not very surprising, honestly,” Rice said. “We always expect to watch him go out and do something special.”
Schlittler said he feels like it has “been a grind” pitching at home, mostly referring to a June 2 outing against the Guardians in which he surrendered a season-worst five runs (four earned).
Since then, Schlittler has held opponents to two runs across 18 2/3 innings (0.96 ERA) in three outings against the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Reds. Schlittler said he has been tinkering with his mechanics over that span, looking to get down the mound better and refine his fastball and cutter.
“I haven’t done an excellent job over the last month or so, pitching here, so it’s important to go out there and have a dominant start,” he said.
His teammates saw it differently. After brushing Blake Dunn’s uniform with his first pitch, Schlittler appeared to be in control, scattering just four hits.
“From back there [at second base], it just looks crazy nasty,” Chisholm said. “You see guys swing under every pitch, and you just don’t understand. From behind, it looks like everybody’s off by a lot.”
Generating 18 whiffs on 49 swings, Schlittler leaned heavily on his sinker (41 pitches), four-seamer (32) and cutter (20), also snapping off three curveballs.
“The stuff is ridiculous,” Rice said. “You have less time to be able to tell the difference when they’re on their way in, so it gives hitters lots of problems. They’re going to have to either pick one, or just swing and hope they hit it the right way.”
With each late cut, Cincinnati proved just how difficult a task that can be.
“His stuff, you feel like he’s throwing really hard,” said Reds third baseman Eugenio Suárez. “He’s got really good rise and four-seam on top of the zone. He commanded that fastball really well today.”
As the clubhouse emptied late Friday, Chisholm was asked what it’s like to face a pitcher with that many fastball looks.
“You’ve heard of those guys Aroldis Chapman and Paul Skenes?” Chisholm said. “They’re pretty good, guys. When you’ve got that arsenal and that much poise, and a way to execute and never give in -- that’s why you have Cam Schlittler right now.”