Yankees’ Max Fried sidelined with elbow soreness; further tests scheduled
Manager Aaron Boone describes the discomfort as consistent with mid-season issues, while the organisation monitors rotation depth ahead of Thursday’s diagnostic imaging.
New York Yankees left-handed pitcher Max Fried exited his start against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday after three innings due to posterior elbow soreness. The team confirmed that Fried will undergo further medical testing and examination on Thursday, during the club’s scheduled day off, to determine the severity of the issue.
Manager Aaron Boone stated he is not overly concerned about the injury, describing the discomfort as consistent with Fried’s typical mid-season physical challenges. Boone noted that Fried had difficulty getting loose early in the game and was feeling "a little something in between starts," which he characterised as not abnormal for the pitcher. Fried himself told reporters he is "not too worried" about long-term concerns, though he described the sensation in his elbow as feeling "hyper-extended or banged."
Fried laboured through the three innings, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk after throwing 61 pitches. His recent performance has shown signs of strain, with Fried struggling with control throughout much of the season. This led to a mechanical adjustment four starts ago, where he abandoned his windup to pitch exclusively from the stretch. In his last three outings, Fried has allowed 11 runs on 17 hits and seven walks over 14 innings.
The Yankees, currently second in the American League East with a 27-17 record, are monitoring the situation closely. Entering Wednesday’s play, New York’s rotation ranked second in the AL with a 3.06 earned run average and first with 5.6 wins above replacement. The team sits 2½ games behind the Tampa Bay Rays, making rotation stability a critical component of their standing in the division.
To manage potential gaps in the rotation, the Yankees have maintained depth through recent call-ups and rehabilitation assignments. Carlos Rodón returned from the injured list earlier in the week, while Gerrit Cole remains on a standard rehabilitation timeline. The club has indicated it will not accelerate Cole’s return if Fried misses time. Prospects such as Jasson Domínguez, who made two spot starts earlier in the season, are available to bridge the gap if necessary, alongside contributors like Schlittler, Warren, and Weathers who have seen breakout seasons.
