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Yankees' Cam Schlittler takes brunt of blame for Game 2 loss: 'Really just disappointed in myself'

New York Yankees starter Cam Schlittler absorbed the brunt of criticism following the team’s 5–2 defeat to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 2 of the ALDS on Monday, despite defensive miscues and a lackluster offensive performance. Schlittler, who entered the postseason as the Yankees’ ace, lasted just 4.1 innings, surrendering four runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk while striking out only two batters—a stark contrast to his 10-strikeout outing against the Red Sox in the Wild Card Series.

The right-hander struggled from the outset, facing high-pressure situations in each inning and failing to regain his rhythm after a chaotic first inning, where three Yankee errors compounded his early run. The fifth inning proved decisive, as Tampa Bay capitalized on two defensive errors by George Lombard Jr.

to score four runs and extend their lead to 5–1, ultimately sealing the loss. Schlittler acknowledged his own performance as the primary issue, stating he ‘didn’t have my stuff today’ and ‘wasn’t able to work through’ the challenges, despite the team’s broader struggles.

With the series tied at one game apiece, the Yankees now look to bounce back in Game 3, though Schlittler’s early exit raises questions about New York’s ability to sustain its rotation against a resilient Rays lineup.

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