Yankees Lose Max Fried to IL

This isn't the best news for the New York Yankees, but it could be worse.

Left-handed ace Max Fried is going on the 15-day IL with a bone bruise in his left elbow, as the Yankees announced on Friday.

Fried underwent an MRI and CT scan on his elbow and was examined by team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad. Fried's imaging will also be reviewed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

Fried will undergo repeat imaging either in a few weeks or whenever he's asymptomatic in order to determine when he can begin throwing again. After the results of the repeat imaging, Fried's specific return timeline will be mapped out.

Translation: Fried will be out for a while.

Fried told reporters that he doesn't believe he will require surgery on his elbow, which is good news for the Yankees.

The southpaw was removed from his last start on Wednesday after just three innings due to what the Yankees were calling posterior soreness in his elbow.

Fried is off to another terrific start this season, posting a 4-3 record, 3.21 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 50 strikeouts and a 1.6 bWAR in 61.2 innings.

He's coming off a stellar 2025 campaign, where he went 19-5 with a 2.86 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 189 strikeouts and a 4.5 bWAR in 195.1 innings.

The Yankees signed Fried to a eight-year, $218 million deal in free agency during the 2024-2025 offseason.

With Fried out, the Yankees have Carlos Rodon, Ryan Weathers, Cam Schlittler and Will Warren in their starting rotation. They could turn to veterans Paul Blackburn or Ryan Yarbrough to fill the No. 5 spot in the interim. Top prospect Elmer Rodriguez is also a candidate to be called back up from the minor leagues to start.

Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery) is about two rehab starts away from rejoining the Yankees. The team will be hoping that the rest of their rotation can stay healthy until he makes his return.

Luis Gil, who was optioned to the minor leagues earlier in the season, is currently on the minor league IL with right shoulder inflammation.