How Cam Schlittler became a unicorn MLB starter with help from Gerrit Cole

The 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner, navigating his own reinvention while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, reshaped the trajectory of a rising ace — one talented enough to claim that same pinnacle of pitching excellence one day.It was late September last year, and Gerrit Cole and Cam Schlittler were playing catch in the outfield at Yankee Stadium when Cole had a suggestion for Schlittler: He should throw his cutter harder and focus on keeping it at the top of the strike zone.Advertisement