The New York Yankees entered the 2026 MLB season already dealing with injuries to their starting rotation, as Carlos Rodón, Gerrit Cole, and Clarke Schmidt are all sidelined for various stretches.
While the good news is that each is expected to return at some point this season, the team’s current rotation has been forced to hold down the fort in their absence.
That makes any injury scare during spring training a point of concern, and the latest news regarding Cam Schlittler is one to watch closely.
On February 12, Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed Schlittler‘s condition, revealing that the young starter is dealing with mid-back inflammation.
“Cam Schlittler has got a little inflammation in his midback,” Boone said.
“They’ll probably keep him off the mound for the next few days at least. He’s going to continue to throw, no issues there. He’s continuing with his throwing program, just something we’re trying to stay ahead of.”
Schlittler himself addressed the media following Boone‘s update, downplaying the concern while providing insight into his recovery.
“Zero [concern], I’d say,” Schlittler said. “Again, it’s early. I’ve been dealing with it for a little bit, so I just want to make sure I’m on top of it.
“Again, I’m ready for Opening Day in that week in San Francisco… Just midback, just minor inflammation. Maybe more lat as well. Just making sure I’m staying on top of that the next few days and get ready for games.”
Rodon absence puts pressure on backups to impress
The Yankees‘ rotation has been under scrutiny given the absence of Rodón, Cole, and Schmidt.
Spring training is a critical time to ensure players are healthy heading into Opening Day. Schlittler‘s ability to maintain his throwing program while resting off the mound is a positive sign, allowing him to stay on schedule without aggravating the inflammation.
Meanwhile, fellow Yankees starter Max Fried spoke about the team’s outlook for the season and the importance of returning all key arms.
“I personally think that our group is good enough talent-wise to compete with anyone in the game,” Fried said.
“Obviously, we didn’t have the series that we wanted. A big part of that was that we weren’t able to pitch as well as we wanted and keep ourselves in games.
“We were behind early, often, and then you’re asking a big task in playoff games for your offense to put up five, six, seven runs against good teams.
“I could be wrong, but I think the offense is either the best in baseball or at least the best in the AL. It’s a deep lineup. They’re going to put up runs.”
Fried looks forward to key players returning
Fried emphasized that the return of Cole and other key starters will provide a boost.
“We’re going to get Gerrit [Cole] back. We’re going to have a lot of really good, quality arms to be able to round out the staff.”
For now, the Yankees will monitor Schlittler closely, balancing his mid-back inflammation with the need to have a full-strength rotation for the 2026 season.
His management and timely return could be pivotal in keeping New York competitive in a deep American League East division.
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