Yankees Pitcher Max Fried Throws 36 Pitches in Simulated Game, Still Weeks from Return

New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried threw 36 pitches over two innings in a simulated game on July 5. He faced third baseman Ryan McMahon and catcher Ali Sánchez. The appearance marked Fried's second time facing live hitters since he left a start in Baltimore on May 13 after three innings.

His velocity had dropped that day, and he threw 34 of 61 pitches for strikes. An MRI and CT scan of his elbow followed the outing. Fried first faced live hitters on June 30, throwing about 30 pitches to McMahon and outfielder Trent Grisham.

Officials stated that he has felt good and recovered well in throwing sessions since then. The Yankees are building him up slowly because of an elbow bone bruise, and he is not expected back for at least a few more weeks. Manager Aaron Boone said Fried's next simulated game would likely occur Thursday or Friday with an increased pitch count.

"Feeling healthy, so it's been really encouraging," Fried said before Saturday's game. Carlos Rodón was placed on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation on July 3. Fried, Gerrit Cole and Rodón have not been on the active roster at the same time because of injuries.

Fried is 4-3 with a 3.21 ERA in 10 starts this season. He went 19-5 with a 2.86 ERA and made the All-Star team in 2025 after signing an eight-year, $218 million contract with the Yankees in December 2024. New York starters entered Sunday with a 3.54 ERA, fourth among the 30 MLB teams, after posting a 5.76 ERA over the previous nine games.