Yankees star left-hander Max Fried was placed on the 15-day injured list with an elbow bone bruise following a recent start against the Mariners. Manager Aaron Boone anticipates a minimal stay, with Fried already playing catch after an MRI revealed only low-level inflammation.
There was understandable concern in the Bronx when the Yankees placed Max Fried on the 15-day injured list. The diagnosis of an elbow bone bruise mirrored the exact issue that cost the star lefty two months earlier in the season. Fortunately, the organization does not anticipate a prolonged absence this time around. Manager Aaron Boone told reporters that the team is hopeful for a minimal stay, framing the transaction as largely precautionary (according to reporting relayed by Bryan Hoch).
An MRI revealed only low-level inflammation, and Fried has already resumed playing catch in New York. We just kind of collectively decided it’s probably best to make sure we get this calmed down and hopefully keep it a smaller issue, Boone said.
Rotation Depth and the Road Back for Fried
Fried reported discomfort following his start against the Mariners at Yankee Stadium, where he permitted one run on five hits and two walks over five innings in a 1-0 defeat. Speaking to reporters after that game, Fried described the outing as a grind and admitted that he didn’t necessarily have my best stuff. The 32-year-old left-hander had made five stellar starts since coming off his previous injured list stint on July 22, allowing just five runs across 24 2/3 innings for a sparkling 1.82 ERA (as detailed in coverage by MLB.com).
Signed to an eight-year, $218 million contract, Fried holds a 4-4 record with a 2.81 ERA across 15 starts and 86 1/3 innings this season. During his earlier absence—which stemmed from a May start in Baltimore where he likened the elbow sensation to repeatedly hitting his funny bone on a table—he missed roughly two months before returning in late July.
The Yankees are well-positioned to absorb the temporary loss. The club sits comfortably in position to secure a Wild Card berth, though a five-game deficit behind the Rays in the American League East remains a stiff climb. To cover the rotation, Carlos Rodón returned to the mound for his first big league appearance since June 28, with his pitch count limited to around 55 pitches. Boone noted that Will Warren and Gerrit Cole round out the immediate series schedule.
Bellinger Nears Return While Judge Progresses
While the rotation manages Fried’s absence, the position player group is finally seeing some relief. Cody Bellinger is slated to begin a minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Bellinger is on track to return to the Major League lineup rapidly, potentially arriving over the weekend to beat the initial four-to-six-week recovery window for the Grade 2 hamstring strain he suffered on July 25 (relayed by Chris Kirschner of The Athletic).
“It just feels like every time someone comes off, someone goes on. It’s kind of been like that all year. We’ve been fighting all year, battling injuries. Nothing’s ever going to be handed to you, so you’ve just got to keep on going. Especially in this division, you’ve got to show up every day and win, no matter what happens.”
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Cody Bellinger, Yankees outfielder
Bellinger’s imminent activation provides a welcome jolt to an offense that has labored since early June. The Mariners remain the only American League team with fewer runs scored than the Yankees over that stretch—a period coinciding with Aaron Judge’s diagnosis of a rib stress fracture. There is positive movement on that front as well, with Boone confirming to reporters (including Dan Martin of The New York Post) that the three-time MVP can begin a hitting progression this week, though the club continues to withhold a concrete return date.
Spencer Jones stands as the primary candidate to return to Triple-A when active rosters expand by two players at the start of September, provided the club maintains 13 pitchers and retains Amed Rosario. Alternative minor league options include Ben Rice, José Caballero, George Lombard Jr., and Austin Wells, though sending down anyone other than Jones would disrupt active depth.
Photo: Mlbtraderumors
“The good thing about this organization is the depth. We have a lot of arms that are talented and can win a lot of baseball games. It speaks to the depth that we have, and hopefully we get it back at the right time.”
Cody Bellinger, Yankees outfielder
If Fried misses only the minimum two or three starts, the Yankees project to have ample time to build him back up for October baseball.
Cody Bellinger arrives at Yankees camp with Aaron Judge and company already getting after it
Senior Editor, Sport
Luis is a respected sports journalist with several national writing awards. He covers major leagues, global tournaments, and athlete profiles, blending analysis with captivating storytelling.
