Cam Schlittler carries an American League-best 1.50 ERA into Tuesday's start against the Guardians.
First pitch from Yankee Stadium is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET as the Bombers (36-23) return home to begin a six-game homestand.
Schlittler tossed six innings of one-run ball in his most recent outing on May 26 against the Royals, earning his seventh win in a 15-1 laugher. He needed just 77 pitches to carve his way through the Kansas City lineup -- even though he lamented the quality of his stuff postgame.
These days, nothing seems to slow down the budding ace. Schlittler has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last eight starts, overwhelming hitters with premium velocity and an elite three-fastball mix.
Schlittler, 25, is already etching himself into the storied franchise record books, too. His 1.50 ERA is the second lowest by a Yankees pitcher in his first 12 starts of a season since earned runs became an official stat in 1913. Only Ray Caldwell -- who had a 1.46 ERA through 12 starts in 1914 -- fared better.
Schlittler's star turn has him as the unquestioned early favorite to take home the AL Cy Young Award. Among qualified pitchers, Schlittler ranks second in WHIP (0.85) and batting average against (.185), while his 29.5% strikeout rate is fourth best.
More pertinently, though, there's less pressure on him to carry the Yankees' rotation these days. Even with Max Fried still sidelined due to a left elbow bone bruise, strong returns from Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón have given the pitching staff a more complete feel. It's not exactly a surprise that New York's starting pitchers have combined for an MLB-best 2.97 ERA, entering play on Tuesday.
This will be Schlittler's first career appearance against the Guardians (34-27), who sit in first place in the AL Central with the third-best record in the AL. Catcher Patrick Bailey (0-for-2) is the only player on Cleveland's active roster to face Schlittler in the Majors.