Yankees accelerate Max Fried’s return for doubleheader against Pirates
The New York Yankees have moved Max Fried directly into the starting rotation for Wednesday’s doubleheader, bypassing a planned minor league rehab start following Tuesday’s weather postponation.
The New York Yankees have adjusted their pitching strategy for Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates, scheduling Max Fried to start Game 2. This marks the left-hander’s first major league appearance in over two months, ending a stint on the injured list that began on 16 May due to a bone bruise in his left elbow.
The decision to fast-track Fried’s return comes in the immediate aftermath of Tuesday’s game postponement. Yankees manager Aaron Boone had initially indicated on Tuesday that Fried would undergo one additional minor league rehab start before rejoining the regular rotation. However, the creation of the doubleheader prompted a rapid change in plans, allowing Fried to take the mound in the majors sooner than anticipated.
Fried’s return is particularly significant as it coincides with the presence of former Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole, who is scheduled to start Game 1. This will be the first day both pitchers are on the Yankees’ active roster simultaneously. Cole missed the entire 2025 season following Tommy John surgery and returned to the rotation on 22 May, approximately one week before Fried’s injury occurred.
Prior to his injury, Fried had posted a 4-3 record with a 3.21 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 61 ⅔ innings across 10 starts this season. He made only one rehab start, pitching three innings and allowing two runs on five hits using 52 pitches. Given that Fried is not yet fully stretched out, there is speculation that Will Warren, who was originally scheduled to start on Tuesday, may piggyback behind Fried in this outing.
The Yankees currently sit at 56-44, trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by 1.5 games in the AL East standings. The active roster now features a deep rotation anchored by Fried and Cole, alongside All-Star Cam Schlittler. Former All-Star lefty Carlos Rodón is expected to return from the injured list in the coming weeks, while Will Warren and Ryan Weathers provide additional depth as the team looks to close the gap in the division.
