Yankees May Shift Cam Schlittler From Game 1 of Wild‑Card Series

The Yankees are still deciding who will start Game 1 of their AL wild‑card series. While Cam Schlittler is the Cy Young candidate, the coaching staff is considering rest, matchups, and the roles of Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Gerrit Cole. Pitching coach Matt Blake explains that several rotation sc…

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 24 Sep 2026 08:45:30 GMT

The New York Yankees are still debating who will take the mound in Game 1 of the American League wild‑card series, even though Cam Schlittler is widely regarded as the Cy Young Award frontrunner. The decision hinges on rest days, match‑up strategy, and how the coaching staff wants to position the four right‑handers—Schlittler, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Gerrit Cole—across the first three games of the postseason.

Rotation Options Under Consideration

Pitching coach Matt Blake outlined several permutations in a pre‑game interview after the Yankees’ 9‑2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. He said the team has “three or four different iterations” of how to line up the four starters, depending on who opens the series and how the rest of the schedule shapes up. The key point: the Yankees want to keep all four pitchers healthy and ready for a potential ALDS, so the rest days after the wild‑card game are a major factor.

Blake noted that if Schlittler starts Game 1, he would be on his fifth day of work, while Gerrit Cole would be on his sixth and Max Fried and Carlos Rodón on their seventh. The coaching staff prefers a starter on his sixth day in a vacuum, but they are not bound by that rule. “Whatever makes sense strategically we’ll probably go with because they’ll all have adequate rest,” Blake said. He added that Schlittler would be on the shortest rest for Game 1 but still “reasonable.”

Why Cam Schlittler Is a Strong Candidate

Schlittler’s 1.94 ERA and his status as the AL Cy Young award favorite make him an obvious choice for the opening game. He has been dominant throughout the season, and his recent performance has been a key factor in the Yankees’ push to the postseason. However, the coaching staff is also mindful of how the rest of the rotation will look in the next series, especially if the Yankees advance to the ALDS.

Blake emphasized that the last month of the season is telling of each pitcher’s physical condition. “We’re looking at the whole body of work, but the last month or so is pretty telling of where guys are at physically and what they’re capable of doing down the stretch,” he said. This assessment is particularly important for Gerrit Cole, who returned from Tommy John surgery in May and finished the season with a 10‑9 record and a 3.61 ERA.

Other Starters in the Mix

Max Fried, who has a 2.80 ERA, recently returned from the injured list and has been on his full clip of pitches in his fifth start. Carlos Rodón, who dominated the Rays on Tuesday, lowered his ERA to 2.67 and is also a candidate for the opening game. Each of these pitchers brings a different skill set and rest profile to the table, giving the Yankees flexibility in how they structure the first three games.

Coach Aaron Boone, the Yankees’ manager, was more reserved about confirming a starter. He said, “not necessarily,” when asked if Schlittler would start Game 1, explaining that the decision would ultimately depend on how the rest of the rotation aligns with the next series. Boone’s comment underscores that the Yankees are prioritizing a win in the wild‑card game over any single pitcher’s rest schedule.

What Happens Next?

The Yankees will finalize their rotation plans in the coming days, as the team prepares for the wild‑card series against the Boston Red Sox. The coaching staff will weigh the benefits of a short rest for Schlittler against the potential advantages of starting one of the other right‑handers. Regardless of the decision, the Yankees’ goal remains clear: secure the wild‑card win and move on to the ALDS.

As the postseason approaches, fans and analysts alike will watch how the Yankees balance performance, rest, and strategy. The outcome of this decision could influence the team’s approach in the next round, making the choice of Game 1 starter a pivotal moment in the Yankees’ playoff run.

Key facts

• Cam Schlittler’s Cy Young candidacy doesn’t guarantee a Game 1 start
• The Yankees’ rotation plans are flexible and rest‑based
• Matt Blake outlines multiple starter permutations
• Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Gerrit Cole are all potential Game 1 starters
• The team’s priority is winning the wild‑card game

Why it matters

Choosing the right starter for Game 1 can set the tone for the Yankees’ postseason run, affecting both immediate success and long‑term pitcher availability in the ALDS.

Frequently asked questions

Will Cam Schlittler start Game 1 of the wild‑card series?

The Yankees have not yet confirmed a starter; the decision remains open.

How many days of rest will each pitcher have if they start Game 1?

Schlittler would be on his fifth day, Cole on his sixth, and Fried and Rodón on their seventh.

Why is rest a key factor for the Yankees?

Rest helps keep the rotation healthy for a potential ALDS and ensures pitchers can perform at peak level.

Which other pitchers could start Game 1?

Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Gerrit Cole are all considered viable options.

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Yankees may not start Cam Schlittler in Game 1 of wild-card series”