Yankees Prepare for Second Half with Rotation Changes
ATLANTA – As the Yankees gear up for the second half post-All-Star break, their pitching rotation has become a topic of discussion.
You know that GIF of the dog sitting calmly amidst chaos? Yeah, that kind of sums up the Yankees’ current pitching strategy.
As of Friday, it looks like they’ll kick off a series against the Braves with a bullpen game, hoping both Max Fried and Cam Schlitler will be available for their next matchup against the Blue Jays.
Fried was initially set to pitch on Friday but opted out of the All-Star Game, probably not wanting to face his former team at Trust Park just yet.
He had to bow out last Saturday due to a blister on his left index finger, which was frustrating, to say the least. But Fried noted he’s experienced improvement since then and is taking a few days to ensure it fully heals, avoiding any setbacks.
So, Schlitler is stepping up as the starter this Friday. Boone mentioned that Schlitler had some “upper arm pain” earlier in the week but managed to clear the tests, so all seems fine on that front.
With both Fried and Schlitler aiming to pitch against Toronto from Monday to Wednesday, the Yankees are hoping to stabilize their rotation.
They still want Warren to pitch on Saturday, and since Marcus Stroman has been preparing for that, it looks like the team is trying to stay well-organized. Carlos Rodon even pitched an inning in the All-Star Game, positioning him for the start against the Blue Jays.
“We’re hoping to get them back on a normal rotation,” Boone stated, adding some optimism about the situation moving forward.
Yet, this current rotation instability emphasizes the Yankees’ need for additional starters before the trade deadline on July 31.
Lewis Gill is also coming back from rehab, ready to begin his second stint; still, the rotation remains a bit dicey, especially with Cole and Schmidt recovering from Tommy John surgeries.
In his MLB debut last Wednesday, Schlitler shined by throwing 5 1/3 innings and allowing three runs in a victory against the Mariners. Boone expressed confidence in his recovery, hoping to see him back for the Toronto series despite some challenges.
For Fried, missing the chance to pitch this weekend is a letdown, especially after spending eight years building his career here.
“I was really looking forward to it,” he mentioned, adding that while it’s frustrating, his focus remains on being ready for the rest of the season. “I want to come back strong.”
Fried noted that the blister situation is improving and that he has been keeping up with playing catch. However, he hasn’t thrown a bullpen yet.
“First and foremost, my skin needs to heal,” he explained. He’s trying to get it toughened up so that it can withstand the rigors of pitching, especially in this heat.
With all this uncertainty, one thing seems clear: the Yankees are in for a wild ride as they navigate the rest of the season.
