Max Fried's elbow pain worries Yankees rotation

Max Fried's elbow pain is a new worry for the Yankees, who already have Gerrit Cole recovering from surgery.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried exited his latest start after just three innings, citing posterior soreness in his left elbow. The team confirmed the issue on Wednesday. This development comes as the club grapples with an already precarious pitching staff, with ace Gerrit Cole still rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

Fried's elbow pain forces him out of Wednesday's game, compounding existing rotation instability.

Fried is scheduled to undergo further testing on his elbow Thursday. His abbreviated outing against the Baltimore Orioles saw him allow three runs on five hits and a walk. This recent struggle follows a pattern, with Fried giving up 11 runs over his last three starts, spanning only 14 innings.

The Yankees have recently welcomed back pitcher Carlos Rodón from the injured list. Expectations are that Gerrit Cole might return after completing two or three more rehabilitation starts. However, the club maintains they will not rush Cole's comeback even if Fried's injury necessitates a longer absence.

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The team's rotation depth currently includes names like Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers, and Luis Gil, the latter of whom is on the Triple-A injured list with shoulder inflammation. Elmer Rodríguez is also listed.

Previously, Fried had faced blister issues on his left index finger, which impacted his command and control. This resurfaced concerns during a start where he surrendered a season-high five earned runs in six innings against the Milwaukee Brewers shortly before his latest outing. The brevity of his time on the mound in Milwaukee was also attributed to blister concerns, impacting his feel for the ball and causing him to examine his hands between pitches.

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Signed by the Yankees this offseason to bolster their rotation alongside Cole, Fried has shouldered significant responsibility, particularly after Cole's injury. While he has experienced periods of brilliance, recent performances have indicated a downturn. His health and performance are central to the Yankees' season outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Max Fried leave his game early on Wednesday?
Max Fried left his start after three innings because he felt pain in his left elbow. He will have more tests on Thursday.
Q: How does this affect the New York Yankees' pitching?
This is bad news because the Yankees already have pitching problems. Ace Gerrit Cole is still recovering from surgery, and other pitchers are injured or not performing well.
Q: What happens next for Max Fried and the Yankees?
Max Fried will get more tests on his elbow. The Yankees might need to find another pitcher to fill his spot if he is out for a long time, especially with Gerrit Cole not ready to return yet.
Q: Has Max Fried had other health issues recently?
Yes, Max Fried recently had problems with blisters on his finger, which affected his throwing. This new elbow pain adds to his recent health concerns.