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While New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler is a featured American League All-Star Selection and has a midseason AL Cy Young Award, he is still rather new in the Yankees’ system, which recently led to an interesting conversation.
Cam joined Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts on his podcast On Base, where the 33-year-old asked Cam how he feels about the team rotation while having the likes of Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon as his mentors.
“Obviously, when I came up last year, you know, Garrett was still hurt. So it was mostly Max and Carlos, and they were great. I was able to learn a lot from them.” Cam said.
“So when it came to the pitching side, I throw the first inning, and they’d be down there after the first inning. And if they had something to say, great. And if not, then they let me do what I need to do. But they’re really good about staying involved in the game and kind of watching it closely.” Cam elaborated.
Schlittler’s perspective on the team has shifted since his breakout year, as he also stated that he is now more confident in himself and the team.
The Yankees star’s breakout All-Star-caliber season led him to post a 9-6 record, a stellar 2.20 ERA, and 145 strikeouts over 21 starts.
Moreover, the in-season churn has forced Cam to anchor his mindset into something more durable, firstly with the absence of Cole, then without Max Fried and Rondon, who are dealing with elbow issues.
That’s where Betts stepped in and gave Schlittler some much-needed advice.
Cam Schlittler Receives Encouraging Advice from Mookie Betts
Hearing what Cam has gone through in his relatively short stint with the Yankees, Betts told him not to try to find motivation, as according to him, that can come and go.
Instead, he took the example of Cole and wants Cam to find something that drives him, which will eventually straighten his path going forward.
“You see Gerrit Cole, he’s driven. He didn’t wake up motivated. He doesn’t care who’s over there. He’s driven. Once you can do that, you’ll find the time that you’re supposed to dominate, you will.” Betts told Cam.
Cam took the advice to heart. “I’m driven to get to where I want to get to,” he said.
Following this conversation with Betts, Cam is likely going to give it his all for the Yankees’ success this season, as he recently showed an example by turning down his first career All-Star Game selection to preserve his arm for a Yankees rotation that has needed him more than ever.
So, do you think Cam Schlittler will win the Cy Young Award this season? Let us know in the comments.
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