The New York Yankees have placed third baseman Ryan McMahon on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 2 left thumb sprain. McMahon sustained the injury on a play at second base during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, when he jammed his thumb attempting to stretch a single into a double.

McMahon expressed optimism that he would only miss the minimum required time and that surgery would not be necessary. "Not great news. Could have been worse," McMahon said. "Obviously I’m not happy with it, but thankful that most likely no surgery and just the minimal time."

He added that while he felt fine defensively, he experienced difficulty swinging the bat, though he was able to take swings in the batting cage. "I feel like with what these games meaning as much as they are down the stretch, me going out there at 50% probably wasn’t the best," McMahon stated.

This season, McMahon is batting .218 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs in 108 games. He previously missed 10 games earlier this year due to a throat infection.

To fill McMahon's roster spot, the Yankees recalled Max Schuemann from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. Schuemann's tenure could be brief, however, as Cody Bellinger is nearing a return from a left hamstring strain. Bellinger began his minor league rehabilitation assignment on Thursday and is expected to play again Friday before taking Saturday off, with a potential return on Sunday.

Max Fried Nears Return

Meanwhile, pitcher Max Fried is progressing towards a return from the 15-day injured list. Fried is scheduled to throw a side session on Saturday, and if it proceeds without issue, he could be eligible to return next week. He was placed on the IL on Monday, with the move being retroactive to last Friday, the day after he pitched five scoreless innings in a 1-0 loss to Seattle.

"I’ve been feeling good," Fried said. "Not ideal coming out of my last start with a little soreness, but all in all we’re really encouraged."

Fried previously missed 57 games from May 14 to July 22 with a similar injury. "Before, it was definitely more intense, more pain," he said of the differences between the injuries. "I would say that it felt similar, but on a smaller scale. I just wanted to be as transparent as I could be with the medical staff and coaching staff."

Fried's record this season stands at 4-4 with a 2.81 ERA in 15 starts. Since returning from his first IL stint on July 22, he is 0-1 with a 1.82 ERA in five starts.

Manager Aaron Boone expressed encouragement about Fried's progress. "We’re encouraged. I think the last couple of days have been good for him. Kind of talking to him, he probably could have made his last start maybe, but hopefully this gives (it) a chance to calm down a little bit, too. If everything goes well with that side tomorrow, then we could do a live (throwing session) at some point early in the week to hopefully set him up when he's eligible."