This New York Yankees injury update is probably nothing, but you can't help but be a bit concerned.
New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler took the Bronx by storm last season, putting together 14 eye-opening starts during the regular season and then posting a historic performance in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox.
Expectations are sky-high for Schlittler entering 2026 as a result, but you can't help but be a little concerned about the right-hander based on everything that has transpired in Spring Training.
Schlittler missed some Grapefruit League action due to back discomfort, and while both Schlittler (who has made two starts since) and the Yankees have maintained it's no big deal, it has now gotten to the point where it will affect his start to the season.
The 24-year-old will not be in New York's rotation the first time through (via Bryan Hoch of MLB.com), as he has yet to build up enough strength to be back in game shape.
We initially heard that Schlittler would still be ready for the start of the campaign, but things have apparently changed.
Perhaps it's not a huge deal. The Yankees are understandably being cautious with Schlittler, who posted a 2.96 ERA while averaging 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings in 2025. But should we be worried this will become a recurring thing for him?
This is why having pitching depth is important, and New York does have that. But let's face it: the Yanks need Schlittler to get healthy and stay healthy.
Schlittler has all of the talent in the world and actually has the chance to become an ace for the Yankees down the line, but we have yet to see if he can pitch a full season.
Remember: the Massachusetts native dealt with a bicep issue not long after hitting the big leagues last year, so this is not the first time he has had a run-in with an injury.
Fortunately, it isn't Schlittler's arm this time, but back problems are nothing to sneeze at. That's especially considering it was also originally affecting Schlittler's left lat (non-throwing arm, but still).
Maybe it's just due to all of the injuries the Yankees have dealt with over the years and how hush-hush their medical staff tends to be, but until we actually see Schlittler back on the mound and dealing, everyone will be holding their collective breath.
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