Cam Schlittler, Yankees snared in PETA's web after spider incident

Gary Phillips, New York Daily News on Mar 17, 2026

Published in Baseball

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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The next time Cam Schlittler’s spidey-sense starts tingling, the Yankees starter should have a handy tool at his disposal.

That’s because PETA — yes, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals — said Tuesday that it is “rushing” a shipment of humane bug catchers to the Bombers “to ensure that any future arachnid guests can be escorted outside safely and compassionately.” The very real announcement follows a March 15 incident in which a “bugged out” Schlittler needed a Yankees security guard to extract a spider from his locker at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

“Spiders have a lot more to fear from us than we do from them, so the least we can do is show them a little kindness and consideration,” PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk said in a press release. “PETA’s humane bug catcher makes relocating spiders a snap — no squishing, screaming, or security detail required — and we hope this useful device brings the Yankees’ pitcher some relief.”

With the Yankees and Schlittler now caught in PETA’s web, the New York Daily News asked Schlittler if he had any comment on the serious statement issued by the non-profit.

“Spiders are just an ick,” the 25-year-old replied. “Tell them to send me some [spider] equipment.”

Schlittler, who stands 6-6 and can throw 100 mph but needed help with an itsy-bitsy spider, also said that he would be brave enough to use PETA’s creepy crawly catchers should another eight-legged invader end up in his locker.

Fortunately for Schlittler, PETA included some tips that could help him avoid such a scenario, including the use of peppermint oil and other humane deterrents.

The organization’s statement added “that spiders – who are essential members of their ecosystem, communicate in interesting ways, and spin some of nature’s most astonishing architecture – almost never bite humans, and even when they do, the vast majority pose no health risk.”