ATLANTA – After eight seasons with the Braves, Max Fried hoped to pitch the Yankees’ series-opener at Truist Park on Friday.
As an alternative, the ace spent a part of his pregame routine speaking concerning the blister that compelled him to make an early exit in his final begin earlier than the All-Star break. The southpaw stated the bleb, positioned on his left index finger, is “progressing well,” however he nonetheless has “some boxes to check.” With that in thoughts and blisters a problem all through Fried’s profession, he and the Yankees wished to present the pitcher some extra time.
“If you speed it up, there’s a chance that it comes back quicker,” Fried stated. “But if you handle it right, normally you can just go on without any issues.”
Fried added that he’s “hopeful” he’ll pitch in Toronto subsequent week. Aaron Boone referred to as the likelihood “very realistic.”
“I’m definitely looking to get back as soon as possible,” stated Fried, who hasn’t stopped throwing.
He added that he hasn’t thrown a bullpen because the blister popped up, however he’s felt good enjoying catch. Fried is concentrated on not solely getting his pores and skin to heal, but in addition on making it calloused in order that he’s much less inclined to blisters in the summertime warmth.
With Fried nonetheless therapeutic, the Yankees deliberate on having Cam Schlittler make his second huge league begin on Friday. Nevertheless, he handled some “upper arm soreness” over the break, Boone stated.
The Yankees consider the 24-year-old is ok following some clear assessments, together with an MRI, and the expectation is he’ll pitch in Toronto. Boone didn’t suppose the soreness, in the suitable biceps space, had something to do with Schlittler overthrowing in his debut on July 9.
With Fried and Schlittler unable to pitch, Ian Hamilton bought the “start” on Friday.
The reliever posted a 3.47 ERA over 36.1 innings earlier than permitting three runs within the first inning. Whereas Hamilton had been strong currently, he’s largely been utilized in low-leverage conditions following some early-season struggles.
Friday marked Hamilton’s first look as an opener this season. He did the job thrice for the Yankees in 2023.
When requested why the Yankees didn’t use one among their different starters as a substitute of Hamilton, Boone stated they wished to present Will Warren, scheduled to pitch Saturday, a sixth day of relaxation popping out of the break. In the meantime, Marcus Stroman, slated to pitch on Sunday, had already scheduled his facet classes accordingly.
Carlos Rodón is scheduled to start out Monday in Toronto after showing within the All-Star Sport this previous Tuesday.
The Yankees thought-about calling somebody up for Friday’s recreation, however they finally didn’t. Boone added the plan was for a straight bullpen recreation, with newcomer Rico Garcia and former starter JT Brubaker offering “a little bit of length.”
“We’ll have to piece it together,” Boone stated.
Gil’s Plans
Boone stated the Yankees aren’t going to hurry Luis Gil’s (lat) rehab project regardless of their short- and long-term rotation accidents, which additionally contains Clarke Schmidt’s latest Tommy John surgical procedure.
Gil was scheduled to throw about 57 pitches Friday evening for Double-A Somerset. His subsequent begin would probably come Wednesday at Triple-A. If that goes properly, the membership may activate him, although it’s doable Gil’s project continues from there.
Damage Updates
Boone stated Fernando Cruz (indirect) may begin enjoying catch as quickly as this weekend after imaging confirmed “quite a bit of healing.” Boone stated it’s doable Cruz returns in August.
Mark Leiter Jr. (leg fracture) may get again on the mound in Toronto for a touch-and-feel bullpen session. He’ll then be re-imaged in New York. If that goes properly, he may throw a full bullpen session by subsequent weekend.
Ryan Yarbrough (indirect) is taking a bit longer than anticipated. He hasn’t gotten on the mound but however is throwing.
Initially Revealed: July 18, 2025 at 6:58 PM EDT
