From Bryan Hoch:
There was nothing complicated about Cam Schlittler’s plan on Friday night: Here comes the heat, now try and hit it. For the most part, the Reds couldn’t.
The right-hander turned in one of the most overpowering performances of his young career in the Yankees’ 5-0 victory in the Bronx, registering a career-high 13 strikeouts. The outing lowered his American League-leading ERA to 1.71, continuing to fuel discussion of a potential All-Star nod.
“I think he should actually start the All-Star Game,” said Jazz Chisholm Jr., who homered in his return to the lineup. “He’s pretty laid-back, so I don’t know if he’s going to be super amped up for it, but I think it’d be pretty cool to see him out there pitching in the All-Star Game.”
Schlittler’s previous career high in strikeouts was 12, coming as he sent the Red Sox home from Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series. While Friday’s 96-pitch, six-inning effort didn’t carry playoff weight, it could help punch his ticket to the July 14 Midsummer Classic.
“It’s early. I’ve got a lot to work on,” Schlittler said. “We’ve got some really good pitchers in this clubhouse. The most I can do is go out there, stay healthy and consistent, and try to win this team some games.”
Though Yankees manager Aaron Boone counted the weeks between now and the All-Star Game, he acknowledged that Schlittler has a case as “the best pitcher in the American League right now.”
I love that the guy struck out 13 guys in six innings, and after the game, all he was talking about was how he could have thrown fewer pitches, and, of course, that curveball that he shouldn’t have thrown against Suarez.
Great win.
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