Max Fried Takes Positive Step Toward Return

Pitching coach Matt Blake stood behind home plate, observing a mock game. After throwing a few pitches, he turned and shouted to Yankees’ front office members, “I’m glad it expired,” with a grin.

While a definitive date for Max Fried’s return remains uncertain, Tuesday marked a positive milestone. The Yankees’ left-handed pitcher faced batters for the first time since exiting a game in Baltimore on May 13. He tossed 28 pitches over two simulated innings against Ryan McMahon and Trent Grisham, showing encouraging signs both on and off the mound.

McMahon, recalling their encounters in the past, remarked, “It’s never fun,” but noted that Fried looked very much like himself. The excitement surrounding Fried’s return permeated the Yankees’ dugout approximately four hours before their game against the Tigers.

Aaron Boone, along with several coaching staff members, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, much of the bullpen, and Cody Bellinger, watched as Fried made progress while showcasing an elbow free from issues.

Fried is recuperating from a bruised left elbow, an injury that kept him sidelined for about seven weeks. Fortunately, his UCL remained intact, indicating that the injury wasn’t as severe as originally feared.

Throughout his time on the disabled list, Fried continued to practice pitching but has now received the go-ahead to start strengthening exercises. His next objective is a live session scheduled for Sunday, although his rehabilitation timeline is still somewhat unclear and could take at least a month.

If he remains on track, the Yankees could see another ace back in their rotation during the second half of the season. Boone expressed satisfaction with Fried’s performance, stating, “It looked great. It looked really good… he looked like a good Max Fried.”

In terms of performance, McMahon and Grisham struggled to make solid contact against Fried, managing only a long foul ball from McMahon. Earlier, Boone had mentioned that Giancarlo Stanton would join the simulated game, but later admitted he was mistaken.

Fried successfully landed multiple curveballs and referred to McMahon’s sinker as “nasty.” McMahon, who watched Fried during his time with the Braves, described him as “a total bulldog.” He added, “We were honored to play behind him. He’ll give everything he’s got every five days—that’s all you can ask for.”

Fried signed a $218 million deal with the Yankees before the 2025 season, ranking just behind Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery that spring. Though Fried had an impressive season as an All-Star, he was sidelined just nine days before Cole’s debut, and the two have yet to share a rotation.

If both can stay healthy, along with Cam Schlitler, who is emerging as a contender for this year’s AL Cy Young, the Yankees could potentially boast the strongest top three pitchers in the playoff arena.

That Tuesday session represented a significant step forward for the Yankees. Boone reflected, “I feel like every step he’s made since coming out in Baltimore has been really successful. Today is an encouraging step for Max.”