NEW YORK — Max Fried, the left-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees, was a potential candidate to start in the All-Star Game this Tuesday, given his impressive performance this season. With 11 wins and ranking in the top five for both ERA (2.27) and innings pitched (119), he has been a standout player. Additionally, Fried’s history with the Atlanta Braves, where he spent his first eight seasons, made the prospect of him pitching at Truist Park particularly compelling.
However, Fried will not take the mound during the All-Star Game; MLB announced that Carlos Rodón will replace him. Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that the decision was influenced by Fried’s need to pitch in a critical game against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, suggesting that a quick turnaround to compete in the All-Star event might not be ideal.
Boone emphasized that Fried’s recent workload influenced the decision, but it was not the primary reason for his absence from the All-Star lineup. Fried’s 19 starts this season are among the highest in the league, and he is on track to exceed his previous career high of 185 1/3 innings.
Given the Yankees’ current struggles with injuries in their starting rotation, Fried’s health is a priority. Two of their key pitchers, Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt, are sidelined for the season due to Tommy John surgeries, and the team is also managing the return of Luis Gil, who has been on the injured list since spring training. The Yankees are actively seeking to bolster their rotation ahead of the trade deadline.
Boone has expressed optimism about Fried’s ability to continue performing well, noting the importance of managing not just his innings but also those of all pitchers in the lineup. Moving forward, monitoring their workloads will be essential as the Yankees aim for a strong finish in the second half of the season.
Fried will have the opportunity to receive a warm welcome from Braves fans as the Yankees face Atlanta in an upcoming series following the All-Star break. This moment will surely highlight his substantial contributions to the game, reiterating the vibrant connection he has maintained with his former team.
This situation illustrates the balancing act that teams must navigate between player health and the excitement of events like the All-Star Game. Ultimately, while Fried’s absence on Tuesday may be disappointing, ensuring his longevity for the rest of the season is crucial for both him and the Yankees.