Yankees' Aaron Boone Provides Max Fried Update Before White Sox Game
On one hand, it's a good sign for the New York Yankees that they have the American League's best record at 44-27 despite star outfielder Aaron Judge (rib), starting pitcher Max Fried (elbow), designated hitterGiancarlo Stanton (calf), center fielder Trent Grisham (hamstring) and catcher Austin Wells (head) all being on the injured list. However, the Yankees need those players back for the team to reach its full potential.
For example, New York signed Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal in December 2024 to create a one-two punch with ace Gerrit Cole, and that hasn't happened. The latter pitcher missed last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and didn't return until May 22 this year. Meanwhile, Fried hasn't pitched since May 13 and is on the 15-day IL.
Manager Aaron Boone provided an update on Fried before Wednesday night's game against the Chicago White Sox, per The New York Daily News' Gary Phillips.
"Aaron Boone said the plan is for Max Fried to throw another bullpen this weekend," he reported.
Aaron Boone said the plan is for Max Fried to throw another bullpen this weekend. #Yankees
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) June 17, 2026
Yankees' Rotation Depth Buys Time for Max Fried
This will be Fried's second bullpen session since getting injured, as he threw one on Tuesday that Boone said "went well," per Phillips. Luckily for New York, its rotation has momentum right now despite the southpaw's absence.
Cole is 2-1 with a 2.57 ERA over five starts thus far, while right-hander Cam Schlittler is 7-3 with a 1.82 ERA across 15 starts. The latter hurler is third in baseball in ERA, fourth with a 0.91 WHIP and eighth with 96 strikeouts.
Additionally, left-hander Carlos Rodon is 2-2 with a 3.19 ERA over six starts since returning from injury on May 10. The 33-year-old will pitch against Chicago at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday.
Furthermore, right-hander Will Warren has taken a step forward after posting a 4.44 ERA over 33 starts as a rookie last year. The 27-year-old is 7-1 with a 3.47 ERA over 14 starts, and he could be the fifth starter once Fried returns. The other candidate is southpaw Ryan Weathers, who is 2-5 with a 4.36 ERA across 13 starts.
If Fried picks up where he left off when he returns, the Yankees' rotation could lead them to their second pennant in three years. The 32-year-old is 4-3 with a 3.21 ERA over 10 starts.
Wednesday's game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video, and left-hander Anthony Kay (6-1, 4.34 ERA) will start for the White Sox.
Related: Yankees Provide Encouraging Update on Austin Wells
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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 3:21 PM.