KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Max Fried was feeling good enough to throw some light catch on Monday. This was his first time throwing since resting due to a bruised left elbow about ten days ago.
However, manager Aaron Boone decided to hold off on any further action after recent tests indicated that Fried’s elbow hadn’t sufficiently healed to start recovery.
“There’s no indication yet that he can begin the build-up process,” Boone said, prior to the Yankees’ 4-3 victory over the Royals in their series opener at Kauffman Stadium.
So, for now, Fried can do some light catching to keep his arm active, but he’s not ready to pitch with any real intensity that could risk reinjury.
“I don’t want anyone to read too much into this,” Boone stated. “He’s been engaging in plyometrics and other therapies. Overall, he’s had a decent week in terms of symptoms; he seems to be doing okay and responding well. But he’s not at a point where he can focus on strengthening exercises yet.”
When Fried first got diagnosed on May 15, the Yankees mentioned that he would need additional imaging tests in the upcoming weeks to assess when he could resume pitching.
Carlos Rodon is slated to start Friday’s opener against the Athletics, which had to be postponed after Saturday’s rainout, allowing Gerrit Cole to pitch on Wednesday instead. With the Yankees scheduled for days off on Thursday and Monday, they hoped to manage Cole’s start on the fifth day of his rotation and again on the seventh. Rodon, who completed a bullpen session on Monday, will take the mound on Friday, his eighth day.
Giancarlo Stanton is set to have another imaging test on his right calf this Tuesday to check if he’s recovered enough to start running again.
“I think he actually went out today for some agility drills,” Boone mentioned. “We’re hopeful that after this next round of imaging, we can start increasing our activity levels.”
Clark Schmidt will remain in Tampa for the first two months of the season before heading to New York next week to continue recovering from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander has been throwing in the bullpen but hasn’t faced a batter yet.
