New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays: Cam Schlittler vs. Ian Seymour

Team results over individual accolades is not even a discussion to be had most of the time, but specifically in a game like this, I’d be remiss not to state the importance of the latter. Since the start of the 21st century, a total of three qualified Yankees pitchers have delivered a qualified season with an ERA under 3.00, they being Max Fried, Luis Severino, and Gerrit Cole; no one has ever achieved one with an ERA under 2.00, and that is what Schlittler is on the verge of doing if he can hold off the Rays in his final regular-season start of the year.

Schlittler’s work to fill in as the one ace from start to finish of this impressive pitching staff has named him the odds-on favorite to win the AL Cy Young Award. And why stop there? Some (like Josh) might even argue he should be in the MVP consideration, helping this team navigate a mostly Aaron Judge-less season. How much stock to put into it almost doesn’t matter; just the fact that there is a reasonable argument to be made shows just how impressive this young starter has been.

When Schlittler dominated the Red Sox in a historic playoff performance last season to take the Yankees to the ALDS, most of us probably felt he couldn’t surprise us further in the near future. Yet, here we are with a season beyond everyone’s wildest dreams.

With a left-handed starter on the mound for the Rays in Ian Seymour, the Yankees lean on the platoon advantages apart from the catching position, as Austin Wells is back behind the plate to catch Schlittler. Amed Rosario gets the nod at the hot corner despite Ryan McMahon’s grand slam last night, and José Caballero receives a rare start in center. Fingers crossed that this defensive lineup gets the job done for the Yankees’ ace.

How to watch

Location: Yankee Stadium – Bronx, NY

First pitch: 7:05 p.m. ET

TV broadcast: YES, Rays.TV

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY) | WDAE 95.7 FM, WQBN/1300AM (TB)

Streaming: Gotham Sports App, MLB.tv (out-of-market only)

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