Tag: New York Yankees

Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler earns Knicks champion’s praise after 13K Bronx gem

BY: @OOSSports

Saturday, June 20th, 2026

Cam Schlittler

Cam Schlittler delivered the kind of start that makes a city stop and notice.

The New York Yankees right-hander overwhelmed the Cincinnati Reds in a 5-0 win, striking out 13 across six shutout innings. It marked the best regular-season start of his young career and offered another sign that the Yankees may have a legitimate rotation weapon emerging in the Bronx.

The performance also caught the attention of a freshly crowned New York Knicks NBA Finals champion.

Knicks guard Josh Hart took to official X, formerly Twitter, where he shared some high praise for the righty.

“Schlitty is the Cy Young winner hands down.”

The reaction matters more because the “Hart” of the Knicks has tied himself to the moment for the city. He and Jalen Brunson threw out ceremonial first pitches at Yankee Stadium earlier in the week, bringing even more crossover energy between the city’s championship basketball team and its perennial AL contender.

Schlittler appreciated the support.

“That’s a good thing to hear,” Schlittler said postgame, per The Associated Press’ Larry Fleisher. “Josh is a great guy. I talked to him after the first playoff game. I’m pumped for him and the city of New York just being able to finish that off, and it’s great to have his support.”

The numbers matched the attention.

Schlittler leaned on premium velocity and command, using his four-seam fastball, cutter, and sinker to overwhelm Cincinnati. His four-seamer averaged 97.9 mph, and he generated strikeouts with all three fastball variations. He also threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of 23 hitters, giving the Reds very little room to settle in.

The start marked a new regular-season career high in strikeouts for Schlittler, who had previously topped out at nine. It also brought back memories of his breakout postseason moment against the Boston Red Sox, when he struck out 12 over eight innings in the deciding game of last year’s AL Wild Card Series.

At 25 years and 134 days old, Schlittler became the youngest Yankees pitcher to record 13 strikeouts in a game since Al Downing reached that mark in 1964. That kind of company does not automatically make him a Cy Young favorite, but it does show how quickly his ceiling has changed.

The Yankees also gave him early support. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ben Rice homered in the second inning, giving Schlittler enough cushion to attack the zone. From there, New York’s bullpen protected the shutout and finished off one of the team’s sharper all-around wins of the season.

For the Yankees, the bigger takeaway goes beyond one night. Schlittler is not just flashing anymore. He is missing bats, limiting damage, and showing the kind of mound presence that plays in October.

Hart’s Cy Young statement may have had New York flair, but Schlittler’s start made it feel a little less outrageous.


For more coverage across the sports world, watch the full OutOfSightSports 2026 NBA Lottery Mock Draft on YouTube, featuring lottery fits, prospect breakdowns, and the biggest roster-building questions across the league.

Yankees pay tribute to iconic John Sterling during and after Monday night’s win

By: @OOSSports

Aaron Judge #99, Cody Bellinger #35 and Trent Grisham #12 of the New York Yankees

Yankees pay tribute to iconic John Sterling during and after win

The New York Yankees honored a franchise legend in a way that felt both emotional and fitting.

Following the passing of longtime radio voice John Sterling, the Yankees paid tribute throughout their 12-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles, celebrating a voice that defined generations of baseball fans.

Yankees carry Sterling’s voice into the moment

Even before first pitch, the tone was set.

Players wore Sterling’s “JS” initials on their caps, and a moment of silence took place at Yankee Stadium. Former broadcast partners Michael Kay and Suzyn Waldman placed flowers at home plate, honoring a career that spanned decades.

Sterling’s signature call echoed throughout the ballpark after the final out, blending seamlessly into “New York, New York” in a tribute that captured the spirit of his legacy.

Boone keeps tradition alive

Manager Aaron Boone revealed that Sterling’s famous call has remained part of his routine.

“I still do this, and my coaches look at me like I’m nuts,” Boone said Monday. “I don’t even know if they know what I’m doing. But as soon as the final out is made and I get up to shake players’ hands, I go, ‘Ballgame over! Yankees win! Theeee Yankees win!’ And I’m shaking all my coaches’ hands. I got goose bumps thinking about that.”

Boone also reflected on what Sterling meant to the game.

“A giant in the sport,” Boone said before the game. “Did it his own way. Walked to his own beat as much as he can and truly one of a kind. And a sad day, but also one where we get to celebrate an iconic figure.”

Judge adds his own tribute

Aaron Judge contributed to the moment early in the game.

After launching his league-leading 14th home run, the Yankees broadcast paid tribute with one of Sterling’s signature home run calls, bringing a sense of familiarity back to the Bronx.

“I’m just going to remember he brought the New York theater to the ballpark,” Judge said Monday. “I think it’s the best way to describe it. He just brought such enthusiasm. He’s almost a kid up there on the broadcast.”

Judge admitted the moment stayed with him as he rounded the bases.

“He loved this team, he loved this franchise, he loved the fans,” Judge said of Sterling afterward. “He loved everybody he talked to on a nightly basis. So, to do that there in the first, I was kind of chuckling running around the bases thinking about what he was probably saying.”

Yankees look to carry tradition forward

Sterling’s voice defined Yankees history for decades, calling over 5,400 regular-season games and countless iconic moments.

Now, the organization may look to preserve that connection moving forward.

“I think it’d be a nice little tip of the cap to John and what he meant — so much to this franchise and this fanbase. I think it would be pretty cool,” Judge said.

Boone echoed that sentiment.

“Yeah, I’d love it,” the manager said. “Right on into Frank.”

For the Yankees, the night became more than just another win. It became a celebration of a voice that will forever be tied to the franchise’s identity.


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Yankees roll past Giants behind Max Fried in 2026 season opener

Max Fried Opening Day 2026 Yankees

The 2026 MLB season opened with energy and spectacle at Oracle Park, but once play began, the outcome quickly became one-sided.

The New York Yankees used a five-run second inning and a dominant outing from Max Fried to defeat the San Francisco Giants 7-0 on Opening Day.

New York jumped ahead early with a string of contact-driven offense rather than power. The Yankees collected four singles in the second inning, highlighted by a two-run infield hit from Ryan McMahon and an RBI triple from Trent Grisham. Despite leading MLB in home runs last season, the Yankees relied on situational hitting, finishing with nine singles and just one extra-base hit.

Fried overcame a shaky first inning to settle into a rhythm. After allowing early traffic, he limited San Francisco to just two hits over 6⅓ innings, keeping the Giants off balance and in check for most of the night.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone pointed to Fried’s ability to adjust throughout the outing.

“It’s really a testament to just how good he is and how he can beat you in different ways,” Boone said, via ESPN’s Tim Keown. (Source)

The Yankees’ approach this offseason was widely questioned, as the team made minimal additions while division rivals improved. Instead, New York returned nearly its entire core from last season. On Opening Day, that continuity paid off with a composed and efficient performance.

Even without production from Aaron Judge, who struck out four times and did not reach base, the lineup delivered enough offense to control the game from the second inning on.

On the other side, San Francisco’s debut under new manager Tony Vitello did not go as planned. Defensive mistakes and missed opportunities contributed to a lopsided result, continuing issues the team had worked to correct during spring training.

The game also featured a historic moment when Jose Caballero became the first player to challenge a pitch using the automated ball-strike system during a regular-season game. The call was upheld after review.

For the Bronx Bombers, this was more than just an Opening Day win—it was a statement. A roster built on continuity came out sharp, executed in every phase, and backed it with a dominant arm on the mound. If this is the tone, the Yankees didn’t just start 2026—they fired the first warning shot in their chase for a 28th World Series title.

Yankees sign former Tigers and Cubs pitcher to deal

Kenta Maeda is getting another shot.

The 37-year-old right-hander has agreed to a minor league deal with the New York Yankees, continuing what’s become a winding MLB journey. Once a Cy Young Award runner-up, Maeda most recently pitched for the Detroit Tigers before being released in May. He briefly joined the Chicago Cubs on a minor league deal, but didn’t stick with the organization.

Now, the Yankees are taking a flier on the veteran, hoping he can find some form in the minors and potentially provide depth down the stretch.

Maeda hasn’t pitched in the majors since April 29th. He made seven appearances for Detroit in 2025, struggling to a 7.88 ERA and 1.88 WHIP with just eight strikeouts in eight innings. Once known for his command and playoff poise, Maeda’s recent decline has raised questions about how much he has left in the tank.

Still, New York might value his experience, especially with their pitching depth being tested amid a second-half slide. Since the end of May, the Yankees have gone 18-28, falling from first place in the AL East to third. They’re now tied with the Seattle Mariners for the second AL Wild Card spot, with the Texas Rangers (59-55) close behind and the Red Sox currently holding the top Wild Card slot.

With postseason hopes still alive, the Yankees are hoping a familiar veteran arm might give them a late-season edge.

Aaron Judge Targets Quick Return from Injury, Will DH Upon Activation

The New York Yankees may not be without Aaron Judge for long.

The reigning AL MVP is working his way back from a strained flexor muscle and could return after the minimum 10-day injured list stint, according to manager Aaron Boone. Judge is expected to resume swinging off a tee and taking soft toss reps within the next 24 to 48 hours.“I think he’s going to start hitting off the tee and some toss today or tomorrow,” Boone said Tuesday on the Talkin’ Yankees podcast.

Aaron Judge Injury Update: What to Expect

Aaron Boone confirmed that superstar Aaron Judge will not resume throwing for another 10 to 15 days. That timeline virtually ensures that the slugger will serve as a designated hitter when he’s activated, with outfield work postponed until his arm is fully healed.

“There’s the feeling that if he just DH’d now, that he probably would not compromise his UCL,” Boone told ESPN reporters. “Throwing would. That said, there is a gripping component to it… probably somewhat affecting him offensively, too.”

The club ruled out using Judge at first base as a workaround, a strategy that the Philadelphia Phillies once employed with Bryce Harper under similar injury circumstances.

Yankees Betting on His Return

In 103 games before the injury, Judge was producing an MVP-caliber season, slashing .342/.449/.771 with 37 home runs. He led all of MLB in OPS, OPS+, WAR, total bases, and hits.

While Judge has since slipped to second in the AL MVP race behind Cal Raleigh—who has 41 home runs and -125 odds—he still holds the second-best odds at -105, per FanDuel Sportsbook.

Yankees Roster Moves Amid Absence

The Yankees entered Tuesday at 57–49, trailing the red-hot Blue Jays—who are 17–6 this month—in the AL playoff race. In response to Judge’s absence, New York added Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario to help reinforce the lineup.

Whether those moves are enough—or if the Yankees will add more pieces before the Thursday’s trade deadline—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear, the club is hopeful that its captain won’t be sidelined for much longer.

14-Year MLB Veteran Announces Retirement in Emotional Interview

14-Year MLB Veteran Announces Retirement in Emotional Interview

Introduction

In a heartfelt and personal moment on the Get In The Game podcast, veteran infielder Matt Carpenter officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after 14 incredible seasons. The former All-Star and longtime St. Louis Cardinals fan favorite spoke candidly with former pitcher Scott Linebrink about his journey, his gratitude, and what’s next after baseball.

“I was very fortunate to play for some great organizations,” Carpenter said. “I had quite a thrill being able to don the St. Louis Cardinals logo for many years, a brief stint with the New York Yankees, and also the San Diego Padres.”

Carpenter, 39, steps away from the game with over 1,500 MLB games played, three All-Star appearances, and a career that spanned eras of baseball change, personal highs, and professional challenges.

Early Career and MLB Debut

Selected by the Cardinals in the 13th round of the 2009 MLB Draft, Carpenter’s path to the majors wasn’t guaranteed. But his consistent performance and relentless work ethic earned him a call-up in 2011, the same year the Cardinals won the World Series. While he only appeared in seven games that year, it marked the beginning of a journey that would leave a lasting impact on the franchise.

By 2012, Carpenter was a core contributor. As a 26-year-old rookie, he posted a .294 batting average with a .365 OBP, splitting time between five positions and showing an uncanny ability to get on base. He finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting, setting the stage for an impressive career to come.

Rise to Stardom

Carpenter’s breakout year came in 2013, his second season. He hit .318/.392/.481 with 11 home runs, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing fourth in NL MVP voting. According to FanGraphs, he posted a staggering 7.2 WAR that season—one of the best by any player in the league.

He followed up with a string of strong seasons from 2015 to 2018, clubbing 108 home runs over that four-year span while continuing to play multiple positions. Carpenter’s ability to adjust his swing and embrace power-hitting without sacrificing his elite plate discipline made him a consistent offensive force.

Versatility and Longevity

Throughout his career, Carpenter exemplified adaptability. He started games at every corner infield and outfield position, and his value extended beyond the stat sheet. Teammates often praised his leadership and discipline, and he became a clubhouse anchor during both playoff pushes and rebuild years.

Despite a decline in production during the 2019–2021 seasons—culminating in a 68 wRC+ in 2021—the Cardinals showed loyalty, extending him multiple times. In turn, he remained a professional presence, mentoring younger players and always ready when called upon.

A Brief Resurgence and Final Season

Carpenter’s story wasn’t over in 2022. Written off by many, he reworked his swing with advice from Joey Votto, signed a minor league deal with the Rangers, then exploded onto the scene with the New York Yankees. In just 47 games, he blasted 15 home runs and posted a surreal 216 wRC+, per FanGraphs.

Injuries derailed that comeback, and a follow-up stint with the Padres in 2023 fell short of expectations. After being traded to Atlanta and released, he returned to the Cardinals in 2024 for a final cameo—a fitting end in the uniform where he made his name.

Career Highlights and Legacy

Matt Carpenter finishes his MLB career with:

  • 1,511 games played
  • 1,257 hits
  • 179 home runs
  • .259/.366/.449 career slash line
  • Three-time All-Star
  • $100M+ career earnings (Baseball Reference)

His eye at the plate was elite—walking in 13.4% of his plate appearances. His postseason legacy includes key performances in multiple deep October runs, especially during the Cardinals’ 2013 World Series appearance.

Gratitude and What’s Next

Carpenter expressed nothing but appreciation during his retirement announcement. He thanked his family, his teammates, and the organizations that believed in him.

“I’m excited for what’s next,” he said, signaling a possible future in coaching, media, or player development.


Conclusion

Matt Carpenter wasn’t just a great Cardinal—he was one of the most versatile and respected players of his era. From a humble draft position to All-Star acclaim, he consistently proved that heart, hustle, and hard work can still shape a legendary career.

As he walks away from the game, fans in St. Louis, New York, San Diego, and beyond salute a player who gave the game everything he had—and then some.


FAQs

1. Why did Matt Carpenter retire now?
After a part-time return to the Cardinals in 2024, Carpenter felt the timing was right to move on and focus on family and future opportunities.

2. What was Matt Carpenter’s best season?
2013, when he hit .318 with 7.2 WAR, made the All-Star team, and finished fourth in MVP voting.

3. Did Carpenter win a World Series?
He was part of the 2011 Cardinals team that won the World Series, although he only played a minor role that season.

4. How many teams did Matt Carpenter play for?
Four: the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and briefly signed by the Atlanta Braves.

5. What’s next for Matt Carpenter?
Though he hasn’t announced specific plans, Carpenter hinted at staying connected to baseball in some capacity.


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