New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried is scheduled to be activated from the injured list on Saturday and will start one of the games in the team's doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox. Fried's return comes after he spent the minimum 15 days on the injured list with a recurring left elbow bone bruise.
This marks a significant relief for the Yankees, as the same injury previously sidelined Fried for over two months. This latest absence will only cost him two turns through the rotation. "I think we were hopeful of that going in, because there was some thought we maybe could have even kept him pitching," manager Aaron Boone said Friday. "But felt like this was the smarter thing to do to give ourselves the best chance to be in a better place with him in what we hope is a couple more months of playing. He’s responded well."
The club is optimistic about Fried's ability to pitch through the injury for the remainder of the season, though it remains a question that will loom over his starts. For his return, Fried is expected to be on a limited pitch count, likely around 70, after throwing four innings and 60 pitches during live batting practice on Monday. He completed two bullpen sessions following that workout, paving the way for his comeback.
In other Yankees news, outfielder Heliot Ramos is expected to see increased action against the Red Sox, who are scheduled to start at least three left-handed pitchers in the four-game series. Ramos, acquired from the Giants at the trade deadline, has struggled since joining the Yankees, batting 6-for-54 in his first 17 games. Manager Aaron Boone noted that Ramos was acquired partly for his potential against left-handed pitching, a situation he has not often encountered since his arrival.
"This is one of the big reasons we brought him in, is what we think he can be against left-handed pitching," Boone said. "Unfortunately since we’ve brought him in, we haven’t seen any left-handed pitching. With Belli out, he was in there every single day — not that we don’t expect him to hit righties some too. We do. But this is where we felt like he could thrive."
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy indicated that outfielder Roman Anthony, out since late May with a partial tendon tear in his right ring finger, is possible to return Sunday after playing for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday. Shortstop Trevor Story is also with Worcester rehabbing a sports hernia and could rejoin the team with Anthony. Additionally, Red Sox setup man Garrett Whitlock is likely to be activated from the injured list on Saturday to address right elbow inflammation.