The New York Yankees have adjusted their plans for starting pitcher Max Fried’s return from injury. Originally scheduled to make one more rehab start before rejoining the team, Fried will now skip his final appearance and begin his comeback in Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. The decision came after Tuesday’s game was postponed due to weather, leaving the team with no option but to bring him back sooner than expected.
Fried has not pitched since May 13 due to a left elbow bone bruise. He had posted a 3.21 ERA in 10 starts before the injury, showing strong performance with 50 strikeouts over 61.2 innings. His return will add depth and stability to the Yankees’ rotation at a time when the team is dealing with other injuries and trying to maintain their position in the American League East.
The first game of the doubleheader will be started by Gerrit Cole, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery. The second game will see Fried take the mound. This marks the first time both pitchers will be healthy and active together on the same day since Cole’s return. Fried is expected to throw around 60 pitches in his return appearance.
Before his injury, Fried had made one rehab start in Triple-A, where he pitched three innings, allowed two runs and five hits, and struck out three. He threw 52 pitches during that outing. Manager Aaron Boone had initially planned for Fried to make at least one more rehab start before returning to the major leagues.
The Yankees are currently 56-44 overall and trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by 1.5 games in the division. Their goal remains to secure a playoff spot, possibly even a division title, despite missing key players like Aaron Judge due to injury. Fried’s presence could help keep the team competitive in close games.
While it may take a few starts for Fried to regain full form after being out for over two months, his return is seen as a significant boost for the Yankees’ pitching staff. The team has managed to maintain a solid ERA from its starters despite injuries, and Fried’s addition could improve their chances of overtaking the Rays.
Fried signed an eight-year, $218 million contract before the 2025 season. His performance in his first year with the Yankees was strong, especially while Cole was sidelined. He described his injury as a hyperextension of the elbow and noted that he did not have concerns about long-term effects. Mechanical adjustments were part of his recovery process.
The team’s rotation has been under pressure this season due to injuries, but it has held up well overall. With Fried now expected to return, the Yankees may be able to build toward a deeper playoff run. The doubleheader format gives them a chance to test Fried’s readiness early in his comeback while still maintaining momentum.
This will be Fried’s first appearance on the major league mound since his injury. His ability to pitch consistently and keep games close is expected to benefit the team as they continue their push for the postseason. Fans can look forward to seeing him take the mound again at Yankee Stadium, starting in the second game of Wednesday’s doubleheader.
The Yankees have shown resilience through a difficult stretch, and Fried’s return could be just what they need to regain control of their season. His presence brings both experience and proven results, which may help the team make a strong push for a playoff spot.
IMAGE: Max Fried and Bryse Wilson of the Atlanta Braves before a game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia in 2019. Photo: Ian D’Andrea on Flickr / Wikimedia, taken 2019-03-31, CC BY-SA 2.0
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