Yankees' Max Fried starts rehab, rotation plans pending

Left‑hander Max Fried began a Triple‑A rehab assignment with Scranton/Wilkes‑Barre, delivering 52 pitches across three innings, allowing two runs, striking out three and issuing no walks. Manager Aaron Boone called the outing an "important step" and indicated Fried could see another rehab start on Wednesday, aiming for around 60 pitches before a possible major‑league return once he reaches roughly 70 pitches.

The Yankees must decide how to fill Fried’s rotation spot for the upcoming game against the Pirates, weighing a fifth starter option or a bullpen game. Other injured Yankees include power hitter Aaron Judge, whose rib fracture keeps him from bat practice, outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, still recovering from a calf strain, left‑hander Carlos Rodón, who threw a brief 10‑pitch bullpen session while treating left‑elbow inflammation, and right‑hander Clarke Schmidt, working toward a live‑hitting session after Tommy John surgery. Fried’s return could alter the club’s trade‑deadline strategy, potentially shifting focus from acquiring starting pitching to other roster needs.