Last Sunday, it marked Paul Skenes 50th start in the Majors. Let’s just say it was everything the Pirates could’ve hoped for.

The right-hander fired seven scoreless innings against the Rockies, striking out seven, scattering just three hits, and walking off to a standing ovation in Pittsburgh’s 4-0 win over the Colorado Rockies. With that, the Pirates ace lowered his career ERA to 2.02. Since the beginning of the Live Ball Era in 1920, the only pitcher to have a lower ERA over their first 50 starts is Vida Blue, who recorded a 2.01 clip from 1969-1972. Given that historic mark, is there truly a pitcher who stands taller?

According to Joe Randazzo, the answer is a BIG YES. It’s the New York Yankees’ 24-year-old right-hander Cam Schlittler. He was dubbed as “A future staple of our rotation” by Aaron Boone after Schlittler’s most recent outing.

During the Yankees’ 10-5 win over the Washington Nationals, Schlittler threw 63 strikes on 96 pitches, striking out eight and walking three while giving up only four hits. Moreover, over eight starts, he had a 2-2 record with a 2.76 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in eight starts.

Right after that gem of a performance, Randazzo triggered a debate, claiming, “I’ve seen Paul Skenes and I’ve seen Cam Schlittler, and I don’t think Skenes clears him.” Ironically, it wasn’t too long ago the Yankees were chasing Skenes with full intent. Now, as it seems, Schlittler gives the Yankees exactly what they needed.

Just days earlier against the Tampa Bay Rays, Schlittler authored what was arguably his best start to date. Yes, across 6.2 innings, he allowed one hit, eight strikeouts, and two walks in a tight 6-4 Yankees win that went 10 innings. For the Yankees’ early-July promotion to be in the same conversation as one of the league’s brightest and generational arms, it’s a great feat. But still, is he really the future staple of the Yankees’ rotation?

Cam Schlittler’s mid-season rise with the Yankees

When Boone labelled him the ‘future staple’ of the Yankees rotation, Schlittler was nearly surprised. He almost didn’t even believe it. “That’s the first time I’m hearing it. So, for me, that’s a great feeling,” he said. After all, he understands his role with the slumping Yankees right now.

Further, he added, “Again, as a rookie, you can’t get too comfortable. So, it’s just important for me to go out there and continue to do my job. Like I said last week, try to get to six or seven innings and put the team in a spot to win.” The Yankees are in a rough spot lately. Before this win, they’d consecutively lost many games and surrendered costly errors. Schlitter knows the expectations on him and he’s trying to exceed them with each of his outings.

Apparently, during spring training, the league saw Schlitter allow nine runs (eight earned) on 15 hits (two homers) while striking out 13 and walking 10 in 16.1 innings pitched over five games. Further, during his five starts this season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he scattered 11 runs (10 earned) on 20 hits (three homers) while striking out 35 and walking nine over 23.2 innings pitched.

Boone also reflected on his spring training performance and said, “He showed some really good things in spring training when he got real opportunities, and he’s put together a great minor-league season, earning his way up here, and he’s continued that at the big-league level.” It’s been pleasant for the Yankees and for Boone to have Schlitter’s arm in the rotation. Looks like he’s actually the club’s reliable arm for the upcoming years.