The Yankees secured an 8-6 victory over the Tigers in spring training on Thursday, with key contributions from Paul Goldschmidt and Max Fried. While the game was not televised, reports indicate that Fried delivered a strong performance in his latest tune-up start.
Yankees defeat Tigers 8-6
New York’s offense came to life early, with Gleyber Torres taking Fried deep in the first inning for Detroit’s only hit off the left-hander. After a quiet stretch, Jasson Domínguez, standing in for Aaron Judge in the second spot of the lineup, launched a two-run homer in the fourth to give the Yankees the lead. Goldschmidt followed with a towering 447-foot blast to center, showing why the Yankees acquired him to be a middle-of-the-order force. His impact wasn’t limited to the long ball—he later cleared the bases with a three-run double, putting New York in control. Jazz Chisholm Jr. added an RBI double, pushing the Yankees’ lead to 7-1.
Max Fried, meanwhile, bounced back after the early home run, keeping the Tigers off balance across four innings. He allowed just one hit, struck out three, and didn’t issue a walk. His ability to locate his fastball and mix in his offspeed pitches with precision gave Yankees fans a glimpse of what he can bring at the top of the rotation. With Gerrit Cole sidelined, Fried’s performance carries extra weight, and the early returns are promising.
The bullpen, however, made things interesting. Fernando Cruz struck out the side after allowing back-to-back doubles, but Tim Hill struggled in the sixth, giving up two runs on a passed ball and a single. Detroit chipped away again in the ninth, forcing the Yankees to turn to Hayden Merda after Yerry De Los Santos faltered. Merda, despite some command issues, finally got the final out to secure the win.
Max Fried’s performance stands out
The Yankees have put their trust in Fried to step in as the rotation leader, and while it’s only spring training, his latest start provided reasons for optimism. His command was sharp, he limited traffic on the bases, and his efficiency was exactly what the Yankees needed.
Reactions from the fanbase reflected a mix of confidence and curiosity. The lack of a broadcast left many relying on box scores and reports, but the numbers spoke for themselves. There was enthusiasm about his ability to keep hitters off balance and pitch efficiently, especially without issuing any walks. The only blemish was Torres’ early homer, which some saw as a reminder of the power Fried will need to contain in the AL East.
Beyond Fried, fans were equally locked in on Goldschmidt’s big night. A veteran bat that can still launch no-doubt home runs, he looked every bit like the hitter the Yankees envisioned when they acquired him. The reaction was immediate—his smooth swing, the way he drove the ball with authority, and his overall presence in the lineup had fans buzzing.
Chisholm’s aggressive approach at the plate and on the bases also drew praise. His ability to create offense in multiple ways adds another dynamic to this Yankees lineup, which will need to be productive as the team navigates its pitching challenges.
The Yankees will be back in action Friday evening at Steinbrenner Field, facing the Phillies. Allan Winans is set to start against Taijuan Walker, with the game available for viewing on YES Network. With Max Fried showing signs of settling in, the focus now shifts to the rest of the rotation as spring training continues.
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