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
