Yankees, still without Judge, turn to Schlittler down 1-0 to Rays
The New York Yankees start Cam Schlittler against Tampa Bay's Freddy Peralta in ALDS Game 2 on Monday at 8 p.m. ET on TBS and truTV. New York trails 1-0 after Drew Rasmussen nearly no-hit them. Aaron Judge remains off the roster with a calf strain.
The New York Yankees need a win in Tampa Bay, and they will try to get it without their captain. Cam Schlittler starts Game 2 of the American League Division Series on Monday at 8 p.m. ET against the Rays' Freddy Peralta, MLB.com reported. The game airs on TBS and truTV from Tropicana Field.
New York trails 1-0 after a 1-0 loss on Saturday. Rays starter Drew Rasmussen carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning before Austin Wells doubled with two outs. Rasmussen struck out a franchise postseason-record 10 batters over eight innings. Jonathan Aranda's solo homer off Gerrit Cole was the only run.
Aaron Judge remains off the 26-man roster as he recovers from a right calf strain he suffered on Sept. 16, ESPN reported. Manager Aaron Boone said the slugger needs more running work before he can play. Barring an injury substitution, Judge cannot return unless the Yankees reach the AL Championship Series.
Peralta, a veteran right-hander, gives the Rays a strong No. 2 behind Rasmussen. Schlittler, a young right-hander with a big fastball, takes the ball after the Yankees swept Boston in the Wild Card round.
Some background: Tropicana Field is hosting playoff games for the first time since Hurricane Milton tore the roof in 2024. The Rays played the 2025 season at a minor league park while repairs were made, and the home crowd on Saturday was loud and sold out.
The Yankees reached the World Series in 2024 and lost to the Dodgers. They have not won a title since 2009, and pressure is building in New York.
If Tampa Bay wins, it would head to New York with a 2-0 lead and a chance to close out the series.
What we know: Schlittler faces Peralta at 8 p.m. ET, and Judge is still out.
What we don't: Whether the Yankees' bats can wake up against Tampa Bay's pitching.
Where outlets agree ESPN and MLB.com both report that Judge remains off the Yankees' ALDS roster and that Game 2 pits Schlittler against Peralta.
Where they differ Some in New York argue the Yankees should have rushed Judge back, while Boone says protecting his calf now gives him a better chance to help later.