Yankees Ace Max Fried Rebounds, Dominates Down the Stretch
BALTIMORE, MD – After battling a mid-season slump triggered by a blister issue, New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried has returned to dominant form, solidifying his position as the team’s top starter heading into the postseason. The Yankees, currently 19 games over .500, have seen a significant turnaround coinciding with Fried’s resurgence.
Fried’s ERA climbed to 3.26 during an eight-start stretch where he posted a 6.80 ERA. however, he has since lowered his ERA to 2.92, ranking 10th in the majors. This comeback began with a no-decision against the Red Sox on August 22nd – a game notably interrupted by a squirrel on the mound - and has fueled a 17-7 run for the Yankees.
“I feel like he’s in a real good spot. He’s throwing the ball well,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters. “He’s an ace, and he pitches like that. He’s had a phenomenal year to this point.”
Despite a few recent setbacks, including losses to the Tigers and a recent game following a Sunday night matchup against the Red Sox, Fried’s performance has largely been extraordinary. He boasts a 3.57 ERA against current playoff teams, a figure slightly inflated by earlier struggles against teams like the Blue Jays, Cubs, Mets, and Toronto during his slump.
Fried is currently 5-0 with a 1.60 ERA in his last six starts and has achieved 18 wins this season, becoming only the third Yankee pitcher to reach that milestone since CC Sabathia (2009-2011). This performance places him among the best first seasons by a free agent acquisition in yankees history, comparable to Sabathia’s 19-8 record with a 3.37 ERA in 2009 and Jimmy Key’s 18-6 record with a 3.00 ERA in 1993.
“I’m feeling really good physically,” Fried said after throwing 87 pitches in his latest outing, utilizing all seven of his pitch types sparingly. “I feel like I did toward the beginning of the year; just changing speeds, trying to get deep into games and trying to win games. It was really big from the offense, coming out early and scoring some runs.”
The Yankees invested heavily in Fried, signing him to an eight-year, $218 million contract, outbidding the Red Sox. While initially envisioned as a complement to Gerrit Cole, Fried is now emerging as a co-ace as Cole recovers from Tommy John surgery.
Boone added, ”He’s had a number of pretty extraordinary games this year. This was really good, really efficient.”
The Yankees are hopeful Fried’s continued success will propel them through a deep postseason run and potentially to their first world Series title as 2009.
