Max Fried Returns to Minor‑League Rehab

First Rehab Start

Max Fried resumed his comeback with the Triple‑A Scranton‑Wilkes Barre Railriders after spending two months on the injured list. He tossed three innings, surrendering two runs on five hits while recording three strikeouts. A solo home run from Nate Eaton off an 88 mph cutter accounted for the only extra‑base hit. Fried aimed for roughly 50 pitches and closed out the session with 52.

Manager’s Timeline

Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Fried will take another minor‑league turn in five days, targeted for July 22. “He will go again in five days and ramp up from there,” Boone said, citing MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. Boone indicated the July 22 outing will be a key checkpoint for deciding whether to activate Fried. A healthier rotation could ease pressure on the club’s stretch run.

Injury History

Fried was placed on the injured list on May 15 after a bone bruise developed in his left elbow. Before the setback he posted a 3.21 ERA across ten starts, striking out 50 batters in 61 ⅔ innings. In three appearances preceding the IL stint, he allowed three runs and five hits in a game against the Baltimore Orioles, using 61 pitches. Over those three starts he combined to give up 11 runs and 17 hits in 14 ⅓ innings.

Current Standings Impact

New York entered the second half at 54‑42, sitting 2.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge continues to rehab a stress fracture in his rib, with no baseball activities yet cleared. The simultaneous injuries create a narrow margin for the Yankees to stay competitive. Both a return from Fried and a healthy Judge would improve the club’s options down the schedule.

Outlook for Return

Boone’s cautious plan suggests at least one more minor‑league start for Fried before any major‑league activation. Continued progress in the minors should rebuild confidence and arm strength. Should the rehab proceed smoothly, fans could see Fried back in a Yankees uniform before the postseason. The actual return date will depend on how his elbow feels after the upcoming July 22 start.