Cam Schlittler just poured some gasoline on the Yankees-Blue Jays rivalry.
The New York right-hander, who will start Saturday at Rogers Centre in Toronto, told MLB.com that he doesn't "really like" Blue Jays fans.
“They’re easy to rage-bait, I think,” Schlittler said. “All the stuff last year in the playoffs or whatever it is — they’ve got a whole country behind them, so there’s a lot. They’re passionate about it. You respect them for that, but I don’t really like them. They ended our season last year. I hope everyone’s got that chip on their shoulder.”
The Blue Jays beat the Yankees in four games in the ALDS last season, with Schlittler starting the decisive Game 4 and allowing four runs (two earned) over 6.1 innings.
Toronto handed the young starter another loss in May, though Schlittler allowed just two runs over six innings.
Both of those contests came in the Bronx. Saturday will mark his first career start in Toronto.
“I know they don’t like us,” Schlittler said. “The fans don’t like us. The fans don’t like me. So it’ll be good to go out there and try to be locked in, try to give us a quality start and put us in a position to win games.”
Schlittler has enjoyed a strong season, already matching last year's total of 14 starts while recording a sparkling 1.87 ERA.
He'll try to help the Yankees force a rubber match in the three-game series after the Blue Jays on 8-5 on Friday.
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