Out of the All-Star break, the Yankees could not start Max Fried or Cam Schlittler at Atlanta, but both were hopeful of starting the series at Toronto
ATLANTA – Max Fried is experiencing a good, long stay at his old baseball address, but starting against the Braves isn’t on the agenda.
Still healing a blister to his left index finger, the Yankees’ $218 million All-Star lefty is instead hopeful of pitching during the upcoming series at Toronto.
“Yeah, it was something I was looking forward to,’’ Fried said of facing his ex-Braves teammates at Truist Park. “If I didn’t get the blister, I probably would have been starting (Friday) night.
“(It’s) definitely frustrating,’’ said Fried, who was also selected for the All-Star Game, but observed it from the dugout. Still, “we’ve got the rest of the season to worry about, and I want to make sure I’m ready to go.’’
Yankees adjust rotation out of the All-Star break
As the schedule resumed Friday out of the All-Star break, the Yankees chose to make Friday a bullpen game, starting with Ian Hamilton.
According to manager Aaron Boone, the Yanks intended to open with rookie starter Cam Schlittler against Atlanta, but the right-hander experienced upper right arm soreness.
An MRI this week came back clean and Schlittler “should be good to go’’ Tuesday or Wednesday at Toronto, said Boone.
Fresh off his scoreless inning at the All-Star Game here at Truist Park, Carlos Rodon is scheduled to pitch the series opener Monday vs. the AL East-leading Blue Jays.
Schlittler developed arm soreness during the week, following his MLB debut start last Friday.
“We think he’s fine,’’ said Boone, but Schlittler’s condition put the Yanks “in a bit of a tough spot,’’ said Boone, not wanting to move up Saturday’s starter Will Warren or Sunday’s starter Marcus Stroman.
A minor league call-up was considered for Friday before the decision was made to go with a bullpen game.
Max Fried 'looking to get back ASAP'
Fried exited last Saturday’s start at Yankee Stadium against the Chicago Cubs after three innings, having developed a blister on one pitch – a fastball – to the second-to-last batter he faced.
Having plenty of past experience recovering from blisters, Fried said he’s “really happy with the progress’’ he’s made and “definitely looking to get back as soon as possible.’’
Fried hadn’t yet thrown a bullpen session Friday afternoon, but he’d felt good throwing in the outfield this week.
“I would say hopeful’’ of starting at Toronto, said Fried, but “I don’t want to give any definites yet.’’
The focus now is to get it “back to looking like a normal finger,’’ said Fried, along with “trying to make sure the skin is a little bit calloused’’ as it heals, and “make sure this doesn’t pop up again.’’
Beyond that annoying obstacle, it’s been a good week for Fried, who spent eight seasons pitching in Atlanta, including a world championship year in 2021.
“It’s been nice to be able to stay here through the All-Star Game, spend a couple days here, hang out,’’ said Fried, who signed an eight-year free agent contract with the Yanks in December.
“It’s cool, it’s different being on this side for sure,’’ said Fried. “But (I’m) just excited for the second half more than anything.’’
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Max Fried won't start this weekend. Here's how NY Yankees adjusted
Category: Baseball
