While the Boston Red Sox are turning to southpaw rookie Connelly Early for the decisive Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series, the New York Yankees will lean on their rising sensation Cam Schlittler. Ahead of game two, Aaron Boone expressed his absolute confidence in him. “He’ll handle it well. I don’t think it will be too big for him, and he will be ready to roll.” Across his last two starts of the regular season, he had allowed only one earned run (off a homer) in 12.1 innings. So, when Schlittler took pride in claiming that Red Sox fans had become Yankees supporters, it wasn’t surprising.
Interestingly, via public reports, the Walpole native knew that he’d be a starter even before Boone got the chance to tell him. Schlittler’s fam had been Red Sox faithful all along, but not anymore.
Before his Thursday outing, he was asked if he had successfully converted his family into Yankees fans. “Yeah, I mean, I’d say so. Again, obviously growing up in Boston, I take pride in being from Boston. Again, when it came to my career and where I want to be, this is where I want to be. They’re fully Yankee guys now. They don’t wear it as much around in Boston, just because, but when they’re here, they’re very proud about it.” He said.
Throughout the regular season, Schlittler didn’t face the Red Sox. However, he faced them back when he was a freshman at Northeastern during spring training in Fort Myers. He recalled that recently as a “great experience” while also admitting, “Obviously, I am a lot different player than I was then. So I didn’t really expect to be in this situation back then, but now I am definitely happy I am.” Schlitter clearly likes being a Yankee now.
Cam Schlittler says he’s converted his family of Red Sox fans to become Yankees fans:
“I take pride in being from Boston. When it came to my career, this is where I want to be. They’re fully Yankee guys now. They don’t wear it as much around in Boston, just because, but when they’re here, they’re very proud about it” pic.twitter.com/UN9CU4rDcS
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 1, 2025
The 24-year-old will face a different lineup after the Yankees started back-to-back left-handed hitters. Still, watching the Red Sox hitters in the last two games has turned out to be helpful for Schlitter to deliver his best in Game 3.
Since making his MLB debut right before the All-Star week, Schlittler has posted a stunning 2.96 ERA (3.74 FIP) and 1.219 WHIP across 73 innings in 14 starts with 84 strikeouts to 31 walks. It’s kind of risky that for both clubs, their season now lies in the hands of two rookies.
Yankees-Red Sox game 3: Is it risky to bet on Schlitter and Early?
Well, as Alex Cora sees it, it’ll be a “fun night” to watch two rookies take over the mound on Thursday. The thing is, both Cam Schlittler and Connelly Early have limited major league experience. You see, Early has made only four starts for the Red Sox this season. No doubt the 23-year-old holds a 2.33 ERA and a 13.5K/9 rate. His most impressive outing came in his debut game against the Oakland Athletics on 9th September. That day, he tossed five shutout innings with 11 strikeouts.
However, on such a big stage, he could get nervous under pressure. Meanwhile, when it comes to Schlittler, the same goes for him as well. Both of them combined have 18 MLB starts under their belts. Out of those 18, 14 alone belong to Schlittler.
Coming after an offseason where both franchises made big moves to bolster their rotations, their fate now lies in the hands of the rookies. For Early in particular, it could be a big deal. Largely because the No. 6 prospect will be facing the Bronx bombers for the first time in his career. “[The series] is 1-1 now, so it comes down to this game,” Early expressed after Wednesday’s game. “I’m super excited about it. … just ready to get out there.” He added.
Schlittler, on the other hand, has more on-field experience. He has recorded a 2.96 ERA in 73 innings. He is ranked in the 82nd percentile in strikeout percentage. The 24-year-old will also be facing Early for the first time in his career on Thursday night. Still, manager Aaron Boone is confident in the rookie’s pitching. “It does feel that [he will be a constant rotation piece,” said Boone before Wednesday’s win.
The post appeared first on EssentiallySports.