The New York Yankees are one step closer to getting their ace back.
Max Fried, who has been sidelined with a bone bruise in his left elbow since May 14, could begin a rehab assignment as soon as Friday, manager Aaron Boone said.
Fried threw a bullpen session yesterday at Double-A Somerset that reportedly went well. The left-hander threw 36 pitches during the session.
If Fried can make his first rehab start this weekend, it's fair to expect him back toward the end of July or early August. While it's unknown how many rehab starts the 32-year-old will need, getting up to 36 pitches yesterday is an encouraging sign.
Before his injury, Fried was off to a great start in his second season in New York. In 10 starts, the left-hander went 4-3 with a 3.21 ERA over 61.2 innings. He also recorded 50 strikeouts and a 1.01 WHIP.
While the Yankees have great depth in their rotation, it has started to look thinner with Carlos Rodón sidelined as well. New York placed Rodón on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation on July 3.
Boone also mentioned during his pregame comments today that Rodón has had a good couple of days throwing. He will continue his throwing program over the All-Star break.
If all goes well, Rodón could begin throwing bullpen sessions before potentially starting a rehab assignment, if one is needed.
The Yankees have watched their season spiral downward over the last couple of weeks. New York is 5-10 over its last 15 games and now sits four games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the American League East.
Losing their best pitcher in Fried and best hitter in Aaron Judge (stress fracture in rib) for over a month has become a problem the Yankees can no longer ignore.
Judge is still a ways away from returning. The three-time MVP is set to undergo imaging on his rib over the break to determine his next steps.
But if the Yankees can stay afloat and get Fried and Rodón back by the beginning of August, things should start to stabilize. If not, GM Brian Cashman might have to be even more aggressive when the trade deadline rolls around on August 3.
