Cam Schlittler isn't holding a grudge over John Schneider's decision to start Dylan Cease in the All-Star Game, even with a strong case of his own sitting right there in the numbers.
Asked directly about any disappointment, Schlittler kept it simple.
"There's no hard feelings," Schlittler said. "That's not something I can control. I'm more worried about the second half and Dylan deserves that."
That's a genuinely gracious response, especially considering how good Schlittler's own season has been for the Yankees.
He's posted a 2.05 ERA with a 0.94 WHIP across 20 starts, striking out 137 batters over 118 and two thirds innings.
Those numbers are actually better than Cease's across the board, which makes Schneider's decision a real talking point regardless of how calmly Schlittler is handling it.
Cease enters the break at 2.56 ERA with 148 strikeouts over 98 and one third innings, still an outstanding season, just not quite as sharp as Schlittler's by the raw numbers.
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Why Schneider's decision still stands despite the numbers
Schneider made clear last week that his mind was made up regardless of Schlittler's availability, telling reporters, "If Cam was going to pitch, my decision was still going to be Dylan."
That kind of certainty from a manager usually invites some pushback, but Schlittler chose to focus forward instead of relitigating a decision that's already final.
It's a bit like getting passed over for a promotion and still showing up early the next morning ready to work anyway.
Does Schlittler's response actually settle the debate, or does his superior ERA mean this decision gets picked apart all week regardless of how well he's handling it publicly?
The Yankees sit at 54-42, fifth in baseball overall, so Schlittler has plenty to focus on with New York's own push toward October.
For now, Cease gets the ball, Schlittler gets the moral high ground, and both pitchers head into the second half with real statements still left to make.
Should Cam Schlittler have started the All-Star Game over Dylan Cease based on the numbers?
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