Yankees manager Aaron Boone began his Thursday media availability by announcing that starting pitcher Cam Schlittler is dealing with inflammation in his mid-back.
Per Boone, the Yankees will keep the right-hander off the mound for a few days, but he will otherwise continue to throw as usual.
Boone said this is something the Yankees are "trying to stay ahead of."
"[We] wanna make sure we don’t turn this into something else,' the manager said. "He’s felt a little tweak here and there, but he’s been doing his lives. He’s one of the guys who has already done two ups in lives, so I don’t think it will slow him that much, but we just want to make sure we don’t turn it into something else."
Schlittler said he first felt something in his back, while also mentioning his lat area, a few weeks ago, but described it as "just some minor stuff," and he's fully confident it won't affect his prep for the regular season.
"Zero, I’d say," Schlittler answered when asked about his concern level. "It’s early and I’ve been dealing with it for a little bit, so just want to make sure I’m on top of it and ready for Opening Day and that week in San Fran."
The 25-year-old Schlittler was a revelation for the Yankees last season, his first year in the majors. Schlittler started 14 games, pitching to a 2.96 ERA with 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings. He was also outstanding in his two playoff starts, posting a 1.26 postseason ERA.
With Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery), Carlos Rodon (cleanup procedure for loose bodies and bone spurs), and Clarke Schmidt (Tommy John surgery) all recovering from their respective surgeries and not likely to be ready to go by Opening Day, Schlittler figures to be a crucial piece in the rotation, along with lefty Max Fried and fellow righty Luis Gil.
"Obviously, we’re very excited about him and expect him to be a key part of our rotation," Boone said, "and still expect that from the jump."