The are poised to welcome back a crucial arm to their pitching staff, as Max Fried is slated to take the mound during Wednesday’s twin bill against the . The left-hander is set for his first major-league outing in over two months, following recovery from a bone bruise in his elbow.
Tuesday’s game was postponed due to weather, setting up a doubleheader that will feature two prominent starters for New York. Former Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole will open the first contest, while Fried is now expected to handle the nightcap.
Fried’s return strengthens Yankees’ starting staff
Fried has been out of action since May 16 due to a bone bruise on his left elbow, with his last big-league appearance occurring on May 13. Yankees manager Aaron Boone had earlier suggested the lefty would require another minor-league rehab start before rejoining the team, but the organization shifted course shortly thereafter.
Fried turned in a strong 2024 season, finishing with a 19-5 record and a 2.86 ERA across 32 starts. In his debut campaign with the Yankees, he also earned a fourth-place finish in American League Cy Young voting.
Prior to his injury this season, Fried made 10 starts, compiling a 4-3 record with a 3.21 ERA. He posted a 1.01 WHIP, struck out 50 batters, and issued 19 walks over 61 ⅔ innings.
Cole and Fried headline Yankees’ doubleheader plan
Wednesday will mark the first time Cole and Fried are both active on the Yankees’ roster simultaneously. Fried joined the club as a free agent ahead of the 2025 season, while Cole missed the entire 2025 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Cole returned to New York’s rotation on May 22, shortly after Fried was placed on the injured list. With both experienced pitchers now available, the Yankees are adding significant depth to their pitching options.
Fried may not be at full strength after making just one rehab start, during which he allowed two runs on five hits over three innings while throwing 52 pitches. Due to that limitation, Will Warren could potentially follow him in the second game of the doubleheader.
Fried’s recovery and rehab progress
The Yankees have handled Fried’s return cautiously since he sustained the elbow injury in May. His lone minor-league outing represented a step forward in his comeback, but the team may still need to manage his workload during his first major-league start back.
New York’s pitching staff could receive another lift in the coming weeks, with Carlos Rodón expected to return from the injured list. Alongside Fried and Cole, All-Star Cam Schlittler remains one of the team’s leading starters.
Yankees rotation depth fuels playoff ambitions
The Yankees enter Wednesday’s doubleheader with a 56-44 record, sitting 1.5 games behind the Rays in the American League East standings. Fried’s return gives the team another seasoned option as it pushes for postseason positioning in the second half of the season.
With Fried, Cole, Schlittler, Warren, and Ryan Weathers providing rotation depth, New York will look to solidify its pitching staff heading into the critical stretch run.