The Bronx is getting a double dose of baseball today, all thanks to last night’s storm that wiped out the Yankees-Dodgers game. What was supposed to be a prime-time national TV showdown with two superstar arms is now hitting the afternoon docket, meaning Cam Schlittler gets his first second-half start opposite reigning World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Talk about a curveball for the ticket holders!
The Mound Battle: Schlittler’s Grit vs. Yamamoto’s Reign
Let’s talk pitchers, because this is where the real drama unfolds. Cam Schlittler, making his first start since the All-Star break, has been remarkably consistent from start to start this season. The dude was named an All-Star, even if he didn’t pitch in the Midsummer Classic itself. But here’s the thing: his last start at Yankee Stadium, back on June 30th, was his second “blowup start” of the year. Both of those happened at home, both against AL Central teams. Now, he’s staring down the Los Angeles Dodgers, who boast the league’s best offense by wRC+ with a staggering 114. Schlittler’s earned a reputation as a big-game pitcher, but this afternoon is going to be the ultimate litmus test. Can he really bring that big-game energy against *this* lineup?
On the other side, you’ve got Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the reigning World Series MVP. Yeah, you read that right. He’s also been incredibly consistent from start to start and was an All-Star this season, though he sat out the Classic too. The only real hiccup for him was running out of steam in the sixth inning against the Diamondbacks in his final appearance of the first half. He’s a machine, but even machines have their limits. Can the Yankees find a way to exploit that, even for a bit?
Lineup Shuffle and Offensive Firepower
The Yankees are rolling out a slightly adjusted lineup for this afternoon’s game. Trent Grisham, Ben Rice, and Jasson Domínguez are holding down the top of the order, setting the table. Cody Bellinger is hitting cleanup, which feels like a prime spot for some serious damage. Midseason MVP Max Schuemann is playing right field and batting fifth, just ahead of Jazz Chisholm Jr. Anthony Volpe is back in the lineup, with Ryan McMahon at the hot corner, and Ali Sánchez is handling catching duties for the front half of this twin bill. They’re going to need every single one of those bats to be firing, because as we said, the Dodgers’ offense is absolutely relentless.
This afternoon’s showdown kicks off at 12:35 pm ET from Yankee Stadium. You can catch it on YES or SportsNet LA, or listen in on WFAN 660/101.9 FM if you’re local, or Dodgers Radio AM 570. Or hey, MLB.tv if you’re streaming. This isn’t just one game; it’s the first half of a twin bill, and it sets the tone for everything. Schlittler has to prove that “big-game pitcher” label isn’t just hype when he’s staring down the best bats in the league. You can bet Yankee Stadium is going to be buzzing, even if it’s an afternoon start. Get ready, because this is going to be a battle!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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