New York Yankees star Cam Schlittler received an unwelcome surprise when he opened his locker ahead of the Pinstripes’ latest Spring Training game.
The Yankees faced the Detroit Tigers in preseason on Sunday afternoon, but the pitcher got more than he bargained for.
The right-hander reportedly had to call in security before the game even got underway at Steinbrenner Field.
Schlittler opened his locker to discover a spider, but instead of plucking up the courage and dealing with the eight-legged surprise himself, he asked security to remove the unwelcome visitor, according to YES’s Meredith Marakovits.
While the specific type of spider wasn’t revealed, common spiders in Florida include the orb-weaver, green lynx spiders, wolf spiders and widow spiders, according to the University of Florida.
Although Schlittler didn’t take to the mound on Saturday, the 25-year-old has enjoyed a spectacular Spring Training so far.
Yankees star Cam Schlittler had to call security after discovering a spider in his locker
The 25-year-old pitcher has been working his way back to full fitness ahead of the season
The pitcher has been working his way back to full strength after concerns over back inflammation kept him from throwing. However, since returning, Schlittler has been formidable.
In just six innings pitched, Schlittler has struck out 10 batters and only allowed one run and one walk.
Schlittler, who started against Toronto earlier this week, made it clear that he intends to stay in the Bronx for a long time.
‘I want to be here my entire career,’ Schlittler said this week, according to the New York Post. ‘This is where I want to be. I love it here. It’s all I know.
‘I got drafted by the Yankees. I wanted to be drafted by the Yankees and I never want to leave. I know some of it’s not in my control, but if I could, I’d choose to be here the whole time.’
He made his major league debut on July 9 and went 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts. With a fastball that averaged 98 mph, Schlittler struck out 84 and walked 31 in 73 innings.
He pitched eight shutout innings against Boston in the Wild Card Series, then allowed four runs – two earned – over 6 1/3 innings in the Division Series vs Toronto.
