Cam Schlittler Gets the Nod for Yankees Wild Card Game 1 Against Red Sox

The New York Yankees have set their pitching rotation for the American League Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox, with right-hander Cam Schlittler getting the ball for Game 1. Manager Aaron Boone made the announcement on Sunday, ending days of speculation about whether the Cy Young favorite or veteran left-hander Max Fried would take the mound first at Yankee Stadium.

Schlittler, 26, reportedly learned of the decision in a moment that drew a laugh from Boone. According to the manager, the right-hander was barely awake when he was told. “He was half asleep on the training table. He’ll be ready to go,” Boone said. “We talked a little bit about it a couple of days ago, having not made my decision yet. But he’s excited. He wants the ball, and he’s ready to go.”

The decision places Schlittler ahead of Fried, who will start Game 2. Boone also confirmed that ace Gerrit Cole would be held for a potential winner-take-all Game 3, should the series against the Red Sox extend that far.

Key facts

Schlittler’s case for Game 1

The decision to start Schlittler over Fried—despite Fried’s pedigree and $218 million contract—reflects the rookie’s dominant 2025 campaign. Schlittler is the heavy favorite to win the American League Cy Young Award after posting a 2.58 ERA with 218 strikeouts across 195 innings. His case was strengthened by an exceptional track record against the Red Sox, the team he grew up rooting for as a native of Massachusetts.

In four career starts against Boston, Schlittler has allowed just two earned runs over 32.1 innings while striking out 39 batters. That 0.56 ERA and 11.0 strikeouts-per-nine rate against the division rival made him a natural choice for the opener.

“It’s a bit of a no-brainer when you look at how he’s handled that lineup,” one team source told Yahoo Sports. “He’s not just good against them—he seems to relish facing them.”

Last season, Schlittler outdueled Red Sox left-hander Connelly Early in Game 3 of the Wild Card round, helping the Yankees advance. That postseason experience, though limited, gave the organization confidence in his ability to handle the pressure of a playoff start.

Rotation order and bullpen plans

Fried will start Game 2, giving the Yankees a left-right combination that could trouble a Red Sox lineup that has struggled against left-handed pitching in the second half. Cole, the team’s longtime ace, will be available for a deciding Game 3 if necessary.

The rotation decision left left-hander Carlos Rodon on the outside. Rodon has posted a 1.89 ERA over seven starts since returning from injury, arguably the best stretch of any pitcher on the staff. Boone confirmed that Rodon will be available out of the bullpen for the Wild Card series, alongside late-inning relievers David Bednar and Brent Headrick.

Fellow starter Ryan Weathers is working his way back from an injury and could join the bullpen if the Yankees advance to the American League Division Series. For now, the team plans to keep him building up in extended work.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Boone said of the surplus of quality arms. “You’d rather have too many options than not enough.”

What this means for the series

Starting Schlittler in Game 1 gives the Yankees their best chance to take an early lead in a best-of-three series. A win on Tuesday would put the Red Sox on the brink of elimination and allow Fried to pitch with a series lead in Game 2. It also preserves Cole for a potential Game 3—or for a Game 1 start in the ALDS should the Yankees sweep.

The decision carries risk. Schlittler has never started a playoff opener, and the weight of a Yankees-Red Sox Wild Card game at home will demand composure. But his numbers against Boston, combined with his Cy Young-level season, made the choice straightforward for Boone and the front office.

The Wild Card series begins Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. ET.

Source: Yahoo Sports. Full article available at https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/cam-schlittler-had-funny-reaction-040453244.html