All-Star Game shocker: Yankees’ Cam Schlittler (sort of) bows out

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Cam Schlittler continued to build a to-die-for portfolio – leading the American League in ERA, second in strikeouts – it was safe to assume he was heading straight to the All-Star Game on Tuesday.

Not just show up but follow in Gerrit Cole’s footsteps in 2023 and start the game. It’s the kind of honor reserved for the best of the best and Schlittler earned it.But hours before the Yankees were to face the Nationals on Sunday, manager Aaron Boone delivered stunning news: their emerging ace would not only pass on the opportunity to start the All-Star Game, he preferred to opt out altogether.

Although Boone was quick to say Schlittler’s arm is fine, the manager explained, “Cam just feels like on his recovery day to go back out there (to throw) 100 miles an hour is something that I think he felt a little apprehensive about. “So (we) certainly support that decision. Obviously, he understands what’s at stake here in the second half for us and for him.”

Both Schlittler and the Yankees clarified the situation after Sunday’s 5-3 win over the Nationals.The right-hander said he would be available to pitch if asked by Toronto manager John Schneider. The Blue Jays won the pennant in 2025 which automatically gave Schneider the reigns to the AL All-Star squad this year.

Major League Baseball informed the Yankees that anyone named to the All-Star team and is in attendance must be ready to participate.But Schlittler made it clear his first priority is preserving the health of the Yankees’ starting rotation in the second half.“The staff’s had a lot of injuries this year, so between Gerrit and Max (Fried) and Carlos (Rodon), you just don’t want to (add) that risk in there of letting the team down,” Schlittler said.

“If I were to not recover (from pitching in the All-Star Game), and I’m dragging a little bit, that wouldn’t benefit anyone. But again, I’m on the roster and if they need me, then, you know, I’ll throw.”The point was rendered moot when Schneider announced B