Yankees fans should already know how Aaron Boone will solve playoff rotation debate

During the series against the Minnesota Twins earlier in the week, the New York Yankees continued to gather evidence with their rotation as they prepare to make changes for the postseason. Max Fried and Carlos Rodón are locks, but manager Aaron Boone still has to make a choice about the No. 3 spot.

Will Warren is almost assuredly out. He'll be used in some capacity out of the bullpen when the Yankees need to erase innings or have an emergency with one of their other starters. But many feel the No. 3 spot is a toss-up between Cam Schlittler and Luis Gil.

Unfortunately, neither made much of a case against the Twins. Schlittler had a nine-run lead and ended up falling apart before Boone had to call on five other pitchers (and they only won by a run). Gil had a five-run lead and immediately gave most of it back. Neither pitcher completed five innings and both surrendered four earned runs, putting more strain on the bullpen.

Nonetheless, a choice must be made. Regardless of the most recent evidence, Yankees fans should probably know which direction Boone will go in. There isn't necessarily a "correct" choice, but given his experience and the fact he levels up against better competition, the choice should be Gil.

Yankees fans should already know how Aaron Boone will solve playoff rotation debate

Schlittler has been a revelation since he was called up, but two out of his last three outings have been concerning. Against the Blue Jays and Twins, he combined for 6 1/3 innings and allowed eight earned runs on eight hits and seven walks. Not to mention, he's already eclipsed a career high in innings pitched (137 1/3 vs 120 2/3 in 2024). That should probably be enough to relegate him to a bullpen role.

But that won't impact his significance. Schlittler can hit triple digits on the radar gun. That's an incredible asset for the Yankees to possess in their playoff bullpen, especially with the support that's needed in the later innings. Whether he's helping in that capacity or piggybacking a starter after an abbreviated outing, he'll be of great importance. He'll need to figure out his issue with walks (like Gil), but it's a necessary evil the Yankees have to live with. There's no way around it with the current group they have.

Fans have had their gripes with Gil's walks (5.7 BB/9), but he's been very good in seven of his nine starts after dealing with a lat injury, with four of those successful outings coming against playoff contenders. He also dominates the Red Sox to the tune of a 0.99 ERA in five career starts. Plus, against other teams currently in the playoff picture, here's how his numbers shake out:

• vs. Astros - 2.38 ERA (two starts)
• vs. Mariners - 0.55 ERA (three starts)
• vs. Blue Jays - 4.34 ERA (four starts)

The Yankees very rarely operate on "vibes", which all but officially rules out Schlittler, given he only has 12 career MLB starts to his name. Boone is right; both of these pitchers will play crucial roles in the playoffs, but Gil will be in the rotation and Schlittler will be in the bullpen (with Paul Blackburn getting the boot).