As the 2025 MLB postseason looms, the New York Yankees are poised to claim the No. 4 seed in the American League, setting the stage for a thrilling Wild Card series kickoff on September 30. Their opponent remains a mystery—potentially the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Seattle Mariners, or Houston Astros, given the tight race in the AL. But while fans eagerly await clarity on the matchup, a more pressing question has been simmering for weeks: who will the Yankees turn to as their No. 3 starter in a critical Wild Card series or ALDS? The answer, it seems, may have just been revealed in the most subtle yet jaw-dropping way.
The debate over the third starter has centered on two rising stars, Cam Schlittler and Luis Gil, with Will Warren also making a late case with his recent performances. Manager Aaron Boone has played his cards close to the chest, offering praise for all his pitchers without committing to a definitive postseason rotation. But a recent glimpse at the Yankees’ rotation schedule, as reported after their win over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, might have spilled the beans on Boone’s boldest move yet.
According to ESPN’s schedule page, the Yankees have lined up their aces, Max Fried and Carlos Rodón, for Games 1 and 2 of the Wild Card series—a move that surprises no one. Fried, nearing the 200-inning mark this season, is set to get an extra day of rest after his final regular-season start on Wednesday, ensuring he’s fresh for the postseason grind. Rodón, too, has been positioned with an extra day of rest, a strategic nod to the veteran lefty’s importance in high-stakes games.
But here’s where things get intriguing. The rotation alignment for the final week of the regular season, before Boone’s Tuesday morning tweak, painted a telling picture:
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Tuesday vs. White Sox: Luis Gil
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Wednesday vs. White Sox: Max Fried
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Thursday vs. White Sox: Will Warren
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Friday vs. Orioles: Carlos Rodón
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Saturday vs. Orioles: Cam Schlittler
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Sunday vs. Orioles: Luis Gil
This layout all but rules out Gil as a starter in the Wild Card series. With his injury history this season, the Yankees are highly unlikely to use him on short rest, effectively taking him out of the equation for a do-or-die Game 3. Instead, the schedule suggests that Schlittler and Warren are being positioned with regular or extra rest, perfectly aligning them for a potential Game 3 start.
Could this be the clue fans have been waiting for? Are Schlittler and Warren poised to take the mound in a high-pressure postseason scenario? Boone’s reluctance to make an outright declaration has kept fans guessing, but the rotation’s alignment speaks volumes. By prioritizing rest for Fried and Rodón, Boone appears to be banking on his young arms to deliver in a pivotal moment.
Schlittler, in particular, has turned heads with his recent performances, giving Yankees fans reason to feel confident in his potential postseason role. Warren, too, has shown flashes of brilliance, making the case for a Schlittler/Warren combo in a winner-take-all game. However, the decision to sideline Gil, who has a knack for dominating teams like the Red Sox, could raise eyebrows if Boston emerges as the Yankees’ Wild Card opponent.
Boone’s strategy is clear: flexibility and rest are the defining factors. By keeping his plans under wraps, he’s maintained the element of surprise, but the rotation’s current setup suggests he’s ready to make a bold call. As the postseason approaches, all eyes will be on whether Schlittler or Warren can rise to the occasion—or if Boone has another trick up his sleeve that could shake up the playoff picture even further. One thing’s for sure: the Yankees are gearing up for a postseason run that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.