New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried has established himself as the clear ace of the starting rotation since arriving last offseason on a record-setting eight-year, $218 million contract.
The 32-year-old has not slowed down in his second season in the Bronx. He has come up huge for the Yankees while they await the season debuts of both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, who have spent the entire year on the injured list.
Through his first nine starts, Fried owns a 2.91 ERA, 4-2 record and 48 strikeouts across 58 2/3 innings. He has thrown more innings than any other pitcher in baseball this year, and that gap was expected to widen on Wednesday.
New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried (54)© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Fried took the ball for his 10th start on Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles, but it was clear early that he did not have his best stuff. Through three innings, he allowed five hits, one walk and three runs while striking out only two hitters.
To make matters worse, after completing the third inning Fried immediately walked down the tunnel. During the top of the fourth, right-hander Paul Blackburn began warming in the Yankees bullpen. That raised immediate concern, as Fried had thrown only 61 pitches despite the shaky outing.
Blackburn entered the game moments later, confirming that Fried was dealing with an injury setback. Shortly after, the Yankees announced the reason for Fried’s early exit.
“Max Fried exited the game with left elbow posterior soreness, the Yankees announced. He will be examined by team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad and undergo imaging tomorrow in New York,” reported Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
If Fried is forced to miss time, the Yankees have the depth to withstand it, and they will likely play it safe with him considering how essential he is to the team. Still, it would be a huge blow if he requires a stint on the injured list.
After the game, Fried spoke with reporters and downplayed the issue. “I’m not too worried about a super long term thing. If I can, I would love to be able to make my next start, but we’ll see,” he said.
Fried has been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the past decade. He is a three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner and played a major role in helping the Atlanta Braves win the 2021 World Series.
The Yankees are hoping he can help deliver a championship in New York as well, but staying healthy will be the key to making that possible. The Yankees now face the possibility that this could become a far more serious setback, making Thursday’s imaging crucial as they hope it does not reveal anything worse.
Related: Yankees’ Aaron Boone Announces Cam Schlittler News Before Brewers Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
