CHICAGO — Will Warren delivered a strong pitching performance to lead the New York Yankees to a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Warren, who has been reported as a potential trade candidate ahead of Monday’s MLB deadline, allowed just four hits and no walks while striking out seven over 6 2/3 scoreless innings in damp conditions.

This marked Warren’s best outing in some time, coming after a stretch in which the right-hander struggled with control and consistency. Entering Friday’s game, Warren carried a 6.57 earned run average (ERA) and four losses over his previous eight starts, following a strong start earlier in the season. Against one of baseball’s top offenses, Warren showed improved command by using his full five-pitch mix efficiently, helping to ease the burden on a bullpen that has been heavily used in recent games.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Warren after the game, saying, “That right there is what he’s capable of when he’s on his game.” Warren himself acknowledged a shift in approach, focusing more on pitching to his strengths rather than trying to overpower hitters. “I had fun today for the first time in a long time,” he said, adding that trade rumors have not distracted him.

The Yankees offense produced just enough support against Cubs starter Shota Imanaga, who also pitched effectively, allowing only two solo home runs in 6 2/3 innings. Amed Rosario opened the scoring with a 450-foot homer in the fourth inning, providing a boost for a lineup dealing with injuries and a recent scoring slump. Spencer Jones followed with a 418-foot solo shot in the fifth, marking his first home run against a left-handed pitcher and his fourth overall this season.

Boone noted that while scoring runs has been difficult lately, the team is seeing encouraging signs in its approach at the plate. “Those are the kind of at-bats that can pay off as the game unfolds,” he remarked. The Yankees have struggled offensively since losing key players Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger to injuries, and their lineup has been described as quiet in recent contests.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Yankees are reportedly exploring options to bolster their roster, particularly seeking a right-handed hitter at catcher and additional outfield depth. However, the extent of trades in the coming days remains uncertain as many teams remain in contention for the postseason.

Friday’s win improved the Yankees’ record to 62-48, while the Cubs fell to 68-42. The victory was also significant in that it prevented the Yankees from squandering another strong starting pitching effort after recent close losses. Following Warren’s exit, Paul Blackburn and David Bednar contributed scoreless relief innings, with Bednar securing his 23rd save of the year.

As the Yankees look ahead to the final stretch before the trade deadline and beyond, consistent production from their existing roster and continued solid starts from pitchers like Warren will be crucial.