Overview
- Schlittler informed the Yankees on Sunday that he will not pitch in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game despite being healthy, a choice manager Aaron Boone said the club fully supports.
- Boone said Schlittler felt “apprehensive” about ramping up to 100 mph on a normal recovery day after throwing 99 pitches over 6 2/3 innings in his last start.
- The decision follows a heavy workload this year — roughly 118 innings pitched — and aims to preserve Schlittler’s availability and routine for the second half rather than add exhibition innings.
- Dylan Cease has become the favorite to get the AL start in Philadelphia, while Schlittler will still attend All-Star events, volunteer as Ben Rice’s “Gatorade guy,” and is expected to be lined up to start New York’s first post-break game against the Dodgers.
- The move reflects a wider trend of elite pitchers declining All-Star work to protect arms and matters for the Yankees because the rotation has limited depth with Carlos Rodón and Max Fried managing elbow issues, meaning the club prioritized long-term durability over a midsummer appearance.