Cam Schlittler has already made his mark on the New York Yankees, and the right-hander added another remarkable accomplishment to his young postseason career.
According to OptaSTATS, Schlittler has recorded 24 strikeouts while allowing just one walk across his first three career postseason starts.
That puts him in an exclusive group that has not seen another member in more than 90 years.
The only other pitcher to record at least 20 strikeouts while allowing no more than one walk across his first three postseason starts was Detroit Tigers legend Schoolboy Rowe. He accomplished the feat between 1934 and 1935, finishing that stretch with 20 strikeouts and no walks.
Schlittler has matched that remarkable level of postseason command while pitching in a much different era of baseball. His 24 strikeouts against only one walk have given the Yankees a dependable presence on the mound when the margin for error is at its smallest.
The achievement comes at an important moment for New York. The Yankees entered Game 2 of the ALDS trailing the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 after being shut out in the series opener.
Schlittler was tasked with helping New York even the series, making his ability to limit free passes particularly valuable against a Tampa Bay lineup that had already taken the opening game.
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His postseason numbers also build on an impressive regular season. Schlittler finished with a 14-6 record and 1.95 ERA, establishing himself as an important part of the Yankees’ rotation.
Now, the Yankees are counting on their young right-hander to deliver another strong October outing. If Schlittler continues to combine his strikeout ability with such exceptional control, he could add several more historic entries to his rapidly developing postseason résumé.
