Max Fried Returns to Yankees' Rotation Ahead of Schedule The New York Yankees have accelerated the return of right-handed pitcher Max Fried to their starting rotation, with the 32-year-old set to take the mound in Game 2 of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The decision comes after the team adjusted its timeline for Fried’s recovery from a bone bruise in his throwing elbow, which had initially kept him sidelined since May 14. Fried, who had been expected to rejoin the team for their series against the Chicago White Sox starting next week, will now make his first Major League start since his injury, marking a significant step in his rehabilitation. Manager Aaron Boone explained the move, stating that the rainout of Game 1 created a scheduling challenge. “If we go with Will Warren and Gerrit Cole today, it leaves us short a starter on the weekend,” Boone said. “It just kind of made sense to not [wait]. He’s ready to go. It’s just about building him up at this point.” While Fried will not pitch at full strength, the plan is to gradually reintegrate him into the rotation, with his Game 2 appearance serving as a modified bullpen role. This approach allows the Yankees to balance their pitching staff for the upcoming weekend series in Philadelphia while ensuring Fried’s workload remains manageable. Fried’s return follows a rehab start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday, where he pitched three innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out three and walking none. He threw 52 pitches (32 strikes) during the outing, demonstrating progress in his recovery. The injury, which forced him to miss his final start of the season, had disrupted his rhythm, as he had pitched at least five innings in every start prior to the setback.#new_york_yankees #pittsburgh_pirates #aaron_boone #max_fried #tripple_a_scranton_wilkes_barre
Yankees Activate Max Fried Early for Doubleheader Against Pirates The New York Yankees have accelerated the return of left-handed ace Max Fried from the injured list, scheduling him to pitch in the second game of their day-night doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. Fried, who has been sidelined since May 14 due to a left elbow bone bruise, will make his first appearance since his injury ahead of the scheduled game. The decision comes after Tuesday’s matchup against the Pirates was postponed due to inclement weather, prompting the Yankees to adjust their pitching plans. Fried, a three-time All-Star, was initially set to begin a second minor league rehab start on Wednesday. However, the rescheduling of the game allowed the Yankees to move him into the major league rotation earlier than planned. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the strategic value of the move, stating, “That sets us up from a starting standpoint in Philadelphia and beyond. Max was way on board with it. I think it makes a ton of sense and we can continue to build him this way.” Fried’s return marks a significant step in his recovery, as he had been working his way back from the injury. The 32-year-old left-hander is 4-3 with a 3.21 ERA in 10 starts this season for the Yankees. His most recent rehab outing, a three-inning appearance for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 18, saw him allow two runs and five hits while striking out three batters. He threw 52 pitches, 32 for strikes, during that outing. Boone also noted that Fried would make at least one more minor league start before rejoining the big league rotation, ensuring he is fully prepared for the demands of the majors. However, the Yankees’ plans shifted when the postponed game was rescheduled as part of their four-day doubleheader span.#new_york_yankees #pittsburgh_pirates #aaron_boone #triple_a_scrantonwilkes_barre #max_fried
Fantasy Baseball Lineup Guide for Yankees-Giants Clash Wednesday’s MLB matchup between the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees kicks off the 2026 season, offering fantasy managers critical insights into starting pitching and key hitters. San Francisco’s Logan Webb is set to start at home, while the Yankees’ Max Fried takes the mound in the series opener. Both pitchers will face unique challenges based on their spring performances and the ballpark’s impact. Webb, the Giants’ Opening Day starter, made his final Cactus League appearance last Thursday, allowing six earned runs over 4⅓ innings with eight hits, three strikeouts, and one walk. Despite the rough outing, his performance in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) suggests he can rebound. In the tournament, Webb pitched 8⅔ innings, yielding just one run and striking out 11 batters. Fantasy managers should expect him to lean into his WBC form, especially since Oracle Park is known for suppressing right-handed power but favoring batting averages. The Giants’ designated hitter, Jerar Encarnacion, capitalizes on this dynamic. His .294/.288/.471 line secured him a regular role, while top prospect Bryce Eldridge was sent to Triple-A. Encarnacion’s platoon advantage against right-handed pitchers like Fried makes him a valuable streamer. Fried, the Yankees’ Opening Day starter, also faced challenges in his final spring game, walking four batters with just two strikeouts over five innings. However, his pitch count of 82 suggests he’ll be ready to go deep into the game. The lefty will face six right-handed hitters, including Rafael Devers, Luis Arraez, and Jung Hoo Lee, which could limit his effectiveness. Yet, his familiarity with Oracle Park from his time with the Colorado Rockies may help him adjust.#new_york_yankees #san_francisco_giants #jerar_encarnacion #max_fried #logan_webb
Yankees Leave Luis Gil Out of Opening Rotation, Consider Minor League Placement The New York Yankees have decided not to include Luis Gil in their starting rotation for the opening of the 2025 season, leaving the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year without a guaranteed role in the majors. The team announced on Sunday that their initial four-man rotation will consist of Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers. This decision was made to accommodate the Yankees’ schedule, which includes four off days within the first 13 games of the season. Gil, who was selected as the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year, now faces uncertainty about his place on the 26-man roster. Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake acknowledged the frustration of not having Gil in the rotation but emphasized the team’s need to balance the schedule and maintain rhythm for both the bullpen and starting pitchers. “He’d like to be a starter with us, so frustrating,” Blake said, according to MLB.com. “But at the same time, he understands the position we’re in with the way the schedule lines up for the first two weeks in particular.” Manager Aaron Boone suggested that the minors might be the best option for Gil to stay on a starting pitcher’s routine, allowing him to regain his rhythm before potentially rejoining the rotation. “We’re working through that—do we want him to start a couple [in the minors] and then pop him in the rotation?” Boone said, per the New York Post. “Is there an avenue to do it a different way? That’s what we’re working through still.” The Yankees’ season opener is set for Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants. After the initial 13-game stretch, the team will play 13 games in 13 days from April 7 to April 19, which will likely be Gil’s first opportunity to rejoin the rotation.#yankees #luis_gil #max_fried #cam_schlittler #will_warren
