Yankees pitcher Max Fried has moved a step closer to returning to the mound after throwing another live batting practice session on Sunday. Fried has been sidelined since mid-May with a left elbow bone bruise.
This was Fried's second live throwing session since his injury. He threw 36 pitches and faced teammates Ryan McMahon and Ali Sánchez. Manager Aaron Boone expressed satisfaction with Fried's progression. "It’s been good, it’s been a good run-up for him, and obviously another step today," Boone said. He added that Fried has "recovered really well" and anticipates another live session on Thursday or Friday, after which a rehab start would be the next logical step.
During Sunday's session, Fried did not allow any home runs, though several balls were hit deep into the outfield. He also recorded some swinging strikes as he continues to increase his pitch count.
Fried's recovery is a welcome development for the Yankees, who have struggled recently, losing eight of their last nine games entering Sunday's matchup against the Minnesota Twins. Prior to his injury, Fried had a strong start to the season. He holds a 3.21 ERA in 61 ⅔ innings pitched and has maintained a walk rate of 2.8 batters per nine innings. The Yankees' pitching staff has also been impacted by injuries to Carlos Rodon (left elbow inflammation) and Clarke Schmidt (recovering from a torn right UCL), making Fried's potential return even more crucial for the team.