Cam Schlittler on track to start season as No. 2 in Yankees rotation

Cam Schlittler built up to 54 pitches in live batting practice and is on track to begin the season as the Yankees' No. 2 starter if his spring finale goes as planned.

Cam Schlittler worked through live batting practice at Steinbrenner Field and built up to 54 pitches across four innings on Monday. He is on track to follow Max Fried and begin the season as the Yankees' No. 2 starter. A mid-back inflammation slightly delayed his spring ramp-up, but he is expected to throw about 65-70 pitches in his regular-season debut if his spring finale goes according to plan, likely on Saturday. Schlittler also stayed up to watch Team USA's WBC semifinal and said offseason conversations about joining the roster did not progress because of his workload last year. Key details: - Built up to 54 pitches across four innings of live batting practice at Steinbrenner Field. - Positioned to follow Max Fried as the Yankees' No. 2 starter to begin the regular season. - Mid-back inflammation slightly delayed his spring training ramp-up. - Expected to throw roughly 65-70 pitches in his regular-season debut if his spring finale goes as planned (likely Saturday). - Had offseason discussions about Team USA but did not join because of last season's workload. - Will Warren is scheduled to make his penultimate spring start Tuesday, which could factor into the rotation for the third game. Summary: If Schlittler's final spring outing goes as planned, he is on track to start the second game of the regular season and could throw about 65-70 pitches. Will Warren's upcoming penultimate start will be another element in the rotation decision for the third regular-season game. The Yankees' final rotation alignment will be clearer after those remaining spring starts.