Yankees Issue Worrying Update After Star Pitcher's Sudden Exit

Yankees' Struggles and the Concerns Surrounding Max Fried

The New York Yankees have experienced a rollercoaster season, marked by moments of brilliance and periods of struggle. After starting strong, sitting seven games ahead in the American League East on May 28, the team found themselves in a difficult stretch, falling to 3 1/2 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays on July 8. During this time, they endured two six-game losing streaks, resulting in a loss of 21 games while managing only 15 wins.

However, things seemed to be turning around for the Bronx Bombers. They entered a game against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday with a five-game winning streak and their ace, Max Fried, on the mound. Fried had been named a 2025 All-Star, showcasing his talent and value to the team.

Max Fried: A Key Figure in the Yankees' Rotation

Fried, a former Atlanta Braves star, was signed by the Yankees in the offseason for a staggering $281 million deal, making him the highest-paid left-handed pitcher in baseball history. Only three right-handed pitchers had ever received more money in contract deals.

Through his first 19 starts, Fried proved to be a valuable asset to the Yankees. When Gerrit Cole, the team's previous ace, underwent Tommy John surgery in spring training, it became clear that Fried would need to step into the No. 1 starter role. He did so with great success, recording 11 wins and a 2.27 ERA, which ranked fifth in MLB.

Despite his impressive performance, Fried has chosen not to participate in the upcoming All-Star Game. However, his recent outing against the Cubs raised concerns about his health and ability to maintain his form.

A Troubling Performance and Injury

In his final start before the All-Star break, Fried struggled significantly. He lasted just three innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits. He walked three batters and struck out only two, marking the first time since May 17, 2024, that he walked more than he struck out in a start.

After the third inning, Fried was pulled from the game by manager Aaron Boone, who replaced him with righty reliever Ian Hamilton. The Yankees ultimately lost the game 5-2, ending their five-game winning streak.

Shortly after the game, the Yankees announced that Fried had exited due to a painful blister on the index finger of his pitching hand. While this may seem like a minor injury, it can have significant implications for a pitcher. Blister issues can affect a pitcher’s ability to grip and release the ball effectively, leading to a drop in performance and an increase in runs allowed.

Recurring Issues and Uncertain Future

This is not the first time Fried has dealt with blister problems. He has faced recurring issues in his career, particularly in 2018, 2019, and 2023. In 2023, a blister on his index finger forced him to end his season early. He also spent time on the 10-day injured list in 2019 due to a similar issue.

The duration of Fried’s absence from the rotation remains uncertain. With the All-Star Break, the earliest he could return under normal circumstances would be July 18. However, given the nature of his injury, the Yankees may have to wait longer for their ace to make a full recovery.

As the Yankees look to rebuild their rotation, the situation surrounding Max Fried adds another layer of complexity to their already challenging season. The team will need to find ways to manage their pitching staff effectively, especially as they prepare for the second half of the season.