Max Fried took a significant step in his rehabilitation on Tuesday, facing hitters for the first time since sustaining a left elbow bone bruise in mid-May. The Yankees left-hander threw 28 pitches across two simulated innings against Ryan McMahon and Trent Grisham, demonstrating encouraging signs in his recovery process.
Fried’s injury, which forced him from a game in Baltimore on May 13, sidelined him for more than seven weeks. Initially feared to be more severe, the injury spared his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), allowing him to continue throwing during his time on the injured list. Tuesday’s session marked his first live batting practice since the injury, with the next step planned as another live session scheduled for Sunday. However, the Yankees have yet to set a firm timeline for his return to game action or a potential rehab assignment, with expectations indicating he is at least a month away from rejoining the rotation.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about Fried’s performance, describing his pitching as sharp with effective movement, particularly on his curveball and sinker. Boone credited Fried’s outing as an encouraging development in his path back. Pitching coach Matt Blake also praised the lefty, describing him as a “good deadline acquisition,” highlighting his value to the team’s pitching staff.
Teammates and staff closely observed the session, including key players such as Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Cody Bellinger. McMahon, who faced Fried during his time with the Colorado Rockies, acknowledged Fried’s competitiveness and toughness on the mound, noting his reputation as a fierce competitor every fifth day. McMahon and Grisham managed no hard contact against Fried during the simulated innings, underscoring the effectiveness of his pitches despite the extended absence.
Fried signed a $218 million contract with the Yankees before the 2025 season, intended to serve as the team’s No. 2 starter behind Cole. However, Fried’s injury came shortly before Cole’s season opener, which was delayed due to Cole undergoing Tommy John surgery in spring 2025, meaning the two have yet to pitch in the same rotation. With Fried’s progress and the emergence of Cam Schlittler as a leading contender for the American League Cy Young Award, the Yankees are positioning themselves to field a formidable front three as the second half of the season approaches.
Tuesday’s simulated innings represent a crucial milestone in Fried’s recovery, bringing the Yankees closer to reintegrating a key component of their starting rotation. Boone emphasized that Fried’s rehab has proceeded smoothly, and the outlook remains positive as the team prepares for the remainder of the season.