New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried took a significant step forward in his recovery Tuesday, facing hitters in a simulated game for the first time since being placed on the injured list on May 13.
Fried threw 28 pitches over two simulated innings to teammates Ryan McMahon and Trent Grisham. He emerged from the mound appearing encouraged and showing familiar effectiveness, according to reports. "It still wasn’t fun today. So it definitely looks like Max Fried," McMahon commented after facing the pitcher.
The session drew attention from many members of the Yankees organization, including manager Aaron Boone, pitching coach Matt Blake, and fellow pitchers Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón. Boone described Fried's performance as "really good" and "really sharp," adding that "stuff was good."
Fried is recovering from a left elbow bone bruise that has sidelined him for approximately seven weeks. While a firm timetable for his return has not yet been established, the injury was less severe than initially feared, with his UCL remaining intact.
His next step will be another live session on Sunday. While a rehab assignment date is not yet set, he is expected to be at least a month away from rejoining the active roster. Barring any setbacks, the Yankees anticipate reincorporating Fried into their rotation during the second half of the season.
Fried, who signed a $218 million deal with the Yankees before the 2025 season, was expected to be the No. 2 starter behind Cole. Last season, Fried was an All-Star and finished fourth in AL Cy Young voting. He was injured just nine days before Cole's season debut, meaning the two aces have yet to share a rotation.
If Fried, Cole, and pitcher Cam Schlittler maintain their health, the Yankees could boast one of the strongest starting trios in the league. "Really ever since coming out in Baltimore, I feel like every step of the way has gone really well as he’s getting back now to this point," Boone said. "Encouraging step for Max today."