Yankees ace Cam Schlittler won’t pitch in all-star game, opening door for Cease

The path to Dylan Cease starting the all-star game is a little clearer.

Schlittler felt “apprehensive” about throwing in between starts after pitching 6.2 innings against the Washington Nationals on Saturday, per Boone.

The decision means that Toronto Blue Jays starter Dylan Cease will likely open the game for the AL under skipper John Schneider.

Cease lost a no-hitter in the ninth inning in his most recent start on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants, and said afterwards he “would probably say yes” if asked to start the all-star game.

“I think a lot of that’s dependant on if Cam can start,” Cease said Wednesday. “I feel like he’s probably earned it, but if he’s not throwing, then I’d love to throw my name in the hat.”

Cease and Schlittler are the frontrunners in the AL Cy Young race as the season hits the all-star break.

The Blue Jays’ star off-season signing has a 2.56 ERA in 98.1 innings while racking up an AL-best 148 strikeouts. Schlittler has a 2.05 ERA across 118.2 frames with 137 punchouts.