Cam Schlittler, a New York Yankees pitcher, has fueled the ongoing Yankees-Blue Jays rivalry with his recent comments about Blue Jays fans. As he prepares to make his first career start at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, Schlittler expressed his disdain for the opposing fanbase.
Schlittler’s Critique of Blue Jays Fans
In an interview with MLB.com, Schlittler stated, “I don’t really like Blue Jays fans. They’re easy to rage-bait.” He commented on the passionate support that the Blue Jays receive, saying, “All the stuff last year in the playoffs… they’ve got a whole country behind them.”
Impact of Last Season
Schlittler’s frustration stems from the previous postseason when the Blue Jays eliminated the Yankees in the American League Division Series (ALDS) after winning four games. Schlittler pitched in the decisive Game 4, allowing four runs over 6.1 innings. This loss added to his rivalry with Toronto.
Earlier this season, he faced the Blue Jays again in May, where he recorded a loss despite a solid performance, giving up only two runs over six innings. Both encounters took place in New York.
Looking Ahead to the Upcoming Game
On Saturday, Schlittler will pitch at Rogers Centre for the first time. He acknowledged the tense atmosphere: “I know they don’t like us. The fans don’t like me.” He aims to stay focused and deliver a quality start for the Yankees.
Schlittler’s 2023 Season Performance
- Matches last year’s total of 14 starts.
- Boasts an impressive 1.87 Earned Run Average (ERA).
The Yankees enter Saturday’s matchup hoping to secure a victory and even the three-game series after falling to the Blue Jays 8-5 on Friday. Schlittler’s performance will be crucial in this heated competition.
