Max Fried inches closer to rehab assignment after 36-pitch simulated outing
Max Fried threw 36 pitches in a two-inning simulated game, moving closer to a minor-league rehab start as the Yankees set a timetable for his return.
The New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried took a concrete step toward returning from an absence that began May 13, tossing 36 pitches across two innings in his second simulated game on Sunday. Manager Aaron Boone said the club expects another simulated outing later in the week with a higher pitch total and that a short minor-league rehab start could follow. Fried faced Twins third baseman Ryan McMahon and catcher Ali Sánchez during the session, marking incremental progress in his throwing program.
Fried completes 36-pitch simulated outing
Fried’s work on Sunday was billed as a continuation of his controlled ramp-up, allowing the club to assess velocity, command and recovery after each inning. He had previously faced hitters for the first time earlier in the week, when he threw roughly 30 pitches to McMahon and outfielder Trent Grisham. The Yankees emphasized that each simulated game is designed to measure readiness and reduce risk before sending a starter on an official minor-league assignment.
Yankees schedule next simulated appearance this week
Boone indicated the team plans to increase Fried’s workload in his next bullpen session, likely on Thursday or Friday, with a view to pushing him into a game environment thereafter. That next simulated outing will target a higher pitch count and could be followed by a short start at a minor-league affiliate if performance and health markers check out. The club’s timetable remains conditional, tied to Fried’s response to the added workload and ongoing medical evaluations.
Medical evaluations and injury timeline
Fried exited a start in Baltimore on May 13 after three innings when his fastball velocity dipped and his strike-to-ball ratio declined, prompting further testing. He underwent an MRI and CT scan that were reviewed by noted team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache, and the medical staff has since continued a conservative recovery plan. The Yankees have emphasized imaging and monitored throwing progress to ensure the left-hander’s arm is fully prepared for a return to regular rotation innings.
Fried has reported feeling healthy during the progression of his program, and team officials described his recovery as encouraging based on throwing sessions to date. The organization has avoided rushing his timeline while balancing the need to restore his role in the starting rotation. That cautious approach has informed the decision to use simulated games and a potential minor-league tune-up rather than an immediate return to the major-league rotation.
Rotation impact with Rodón on injured list
Fried’s rehab track intersects with other rotation concerns for New York, including the recent placement of Carlos Rodón on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. As a result, Fried, Gerrit Cole and Rodón have not been available together on the active roster this season, complicating the club’s plan for its front three starters. The team has had to navigate those absences while trying to preserve depth and maintain competitive innings behind Cole and its remaining starters.
The Yankees have relied on a rotation mix while monitoring health, and any timetable that returns Fried to the staff would offer a significant boost. A successful minor-league start would allow the club to evaluate his ability to handle a starter’s workload before reinstating him to the active roster. That step is viewed as critical to stabilizing the rotation for the remainder of the season.
Fried’s season performance and contract context
Through 10 starts this season, Fried is 4-3 with a 3.21 ERA — numbers that reflect durable production when healthy. He posted a breakout 2025 campaign with Atlanta, going 19-5 with a 2.86 ERA and earning an All-Star berth in what became his first season with the Yankees’ rotation mix. Fried left Atlanta as a free agent and agreed to an eight-year, $218 million contract with New York in December 2024, making his availability a high-priority concern for the club.
Those contract and performance benchmarks heighten the stakes of his recovery timeline, as the Yankees balance long-term investment with near-term roster needs. Ensuring Fried returns at full strength is both a medical and strategic priority for the front office and coaching staff. How quickly he resumes consistent innings will influence roster decisions down the stretch.
Manager and player remarks on recovery pace
Boone characterized Fried’s simulated sessions as positive, noting the left-hander has recovered well across his throwing program and shown encouraging signs during the ramp-up. Fried himself acknowledged the desire to return immediately but conceded that starting pitchers require careful buildup to avoid setbacks. Both manager and player signaled patience while expressing optimism that additional simulated work and a possible rehab start could put him back into the rotation sooner rather than later.
The Yankees also track broader pitching performance, with club starters carrying a 3.54 ERA on the season but posting a 5.76 ERA over the past nine games. Management views Fried’s eventual return as a key variable in improving those recent results and fortifying the staff as the team navigates the summer schedule.
As Fried prepares for another simulated outing and the possibility of a short minor-league assignment, the Yankees are balancing medical caution with the immediate need for rotation stability. The club will continue to monitor his response to increased throwing loads and adjust plans according to performance data and medical feedback.
