The end of the Major League Baseball season is approaching and the New York Yankees are already beginning to shape their rotation for the postseason. Max Fried and Carlos Rodon seem to have their places assured thanks to their consistency and dominance, but the third spot, vital in any playoff series, is still up for grabs.
With several young arms standing out at different times on the calendar, New York’s coaching staff has the difficult task of choosing who will accompany its two aces in the starting rotation. Cam Schlittler, Will Warren and Luis Gil lead the discussion, each with their own arguments, but also with weaknesses that could tip the balance against them.
Luis Gil against the pressure of October: is experience enough to secure a place?
Luis Gil is no stranger to the postseason stage and that experience can weigh heavily when it comes to making decisions. Against similarly aspirational teams like the Red Sox, Gil has been effective with a 3.33 ERA and just one earned run in 11 innings this season. His track record gives him an edge that few young players can offer.
The problem has been his inconsistency after returning from injury and although his arm is still electric, control has been a concern with 29 walks in 46 innings pitched. In a close series, a bad inning due to lack of command could be costly for the Yankees. That duality between experience and risk makes him a tempting, but not automatic, option.
Cam Schlittler and Will Warren: Can the rookies earn a key role in the playoffs?
Cam Schlittler has made a good impression in his short Major League career. His recent outing against Baltimore, with only one earned run and six strikeouts in more than five innings, showed his ability to control a strong offense. Despite a difficult outing against Toronto weeks ago, his progress is undeniable and comes at a good time.
Will Warren also shone against the Orioles, but his inconsistency against key rivals such as Boston, where he has an ERA of over 9.00, raises doubts. On the plus side, he could be used in long relief roles, something coach Matt Blake has suggested as a possible strategy for the playoffs. His profile lends itself well to specific situations, but he is still not convincing as a stable third option.
As the landscape in the American League takes shape, the Yankees must carefully choose who will fill that third spot in the rotation. Gil’s experience, Schlittler’s momentum and Warren’s versatility offer distinct paths, but the right choice could make the difference between a long run in October or an early exit.
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