Yankees Make Max Fried Announcement

Boone had hinted earlier in the week that Fried could return this weekend to start one of said games against the Red Sox. The Yankees hold a two game lead over the Red Sox for the top AL wild-card spot, which means home field advantage in the first-round of the postseason.

Fried has been on the IL since August 14 with a recurring left elbow bone bruise, which forced him to miss over two months of action from mid May to late July.

When Fried initially was placed back on the IL with the same injury, there was much speculation that it could be severe and end his season. However, the Yankees and Fried were not concerned this time around and believed it would only require a minimum IL stint. Now, this anticipation has come to fruition for a Yankees’ pitching staff that is banged-up.

Fellow starter Ryan Weathers was recently placed on the 15-day IL with a left forearm flexor strain. Weathers expects to return this season, but likely as a relief pitcher. High-leverage arm Fernando Cruz may need Tommy John surgery and is seeking a second opinion.

Beyond Fried, Yankees superstar right fielder Aaron Judge is making progress in his rehab from a right rib stress fracture. If all continues to go well, Judge could be back in the near future without going out on a rehab assignment.

Having both Fried and Judge back for the stretch run will be huge for a Yankees team with World Series aspirations. The American League is also very weak this season, so the Yankees have a prime opportunity to capture the AL pennant this year.