The New York Yankees are optimistic that pitcher Max Fried's current stint on the injured list will be short-lived, citing early detection of "low-level inflammation as a result of the bone bruise" in his left elbow. Fried landed on the IL Monday, marking his second time on the list this season due to elbow issues.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence before Tuesday's game that the team has given Fried the best chance to be healthy for the remainder of the season and the upcoming stretch run. "I was told it was good news and this gives us the best chance to have him healthy the rest of the way," Boone said.
The Yankees had considered letting Fried make his scheduled start on Wednesday, but an MRI revealed inflammation, prompting the organization to "err on the side of caution," according to pitching coach Matt Blake. It is "possible" Fried could return to the rotation by the end of August, when he becomes eligible to come off the injured list.
Fried was able to play catch on Tuesday in New York. His response to the activity will dictate the next steps, with a potential throwing session off a mound in the coming days. This comes as Carlos Rodón returned to the rotation on Tuesday after his own IL stint for elbow inflammation, and Will Warren is slated to start Wednesday.
Despite the optimism, the Yankees are still investigating the cause of the recurrent injury. "Any injury can be a precursor for another injury," Blake noted. "I don’t think anyone is shocked this cropped up again. Obviously, we didn’t want it to and we’ll try to mitigate it with workload and delivery management."
Blake acknowledged that it is "a little frustrating it got to this point," but emphasized that since Fried was not forced out of a game like during his initial injury, his recovery time should be limited. Dr. Spencer Stein, an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone, stated that such recurrences are not uncommon and that the Yankees' optimistic outlook may suggest the current injury is not severe. Unlike the initial bone bruise in May, which required weeks of rest from throwing, Fried is not facing a similar shutdown.
When Fried first experienced the injury, he attributed it to "hyperextending" and the impact of bones around the elbow. While mechanical adjustments were hoped to prevent future issues, the recurrence has raised questions. Blake expressed uncertainty about whether Fried might experience some discomfort in the area for the rest of the season, stating, "It’s something we have to be aware of and try to stay ahead of."
Fried's absence means the Yankees are currently without all five of their projected top starters, with Ryan Weathers and Warren filling in. The team's plan remains for Fried, Rodón, Gerrit Cole, and Cam Schlittler to be healthy and available for the playoffs.