The New York Yankees began their post-All-Star break campaign facing an unexpected challenge. Injuries to Max Fried and Cam Schlittler forced the team to scramble their rotation plans for the Atlanta series opener.
A blister on Fried’s finger and forearm, and tightness for rookie Schlittler, created a domino effect. The Yankees turned to a bullpen game Friday night while uncertainty clouds their immediate pitching future.
The timing couldn’t be worse for a team already thin on starting depth after season-ending surgeries to Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt.
Max Fried was set to make his triumphant return to Atlanta on Friday night. The $218 million acquisition would have faced his former team for the first time since joining the Yankees last winter.
Instead, the left-hander watched from the dugout while dealing with an index finger blister that also cost him his All-Star Game start.
“It’s progressing well,” Fried said before the game. “We’re definitely optimistic.”
Fried dominated the first half with an 11-3 record and 2.43 ERA across 20 starts. His July 13 outing lasted just three innings when the blister became problematic.
The moment Max Fried realized he had a blister.
He then threw one more pitch, a changeup, to get out of the inning before showing the Yankees and coming out of the game. pic.twitter.com/UzxL7fGffK
The veteran pitcher emphasizes patience in his recovery process.
“I want to make sure I’m ready to go and this doesn’t keep lingering,” Fried said.
He’s resumed playing catch without pain but needs to throw off a mound comfortably before returning. The Yankees hope he’ll be ready for their upcoming Toronto series.
Fried’s cautious approach stems from previous experience with similar injuries.
“If you speed it up, there’s a chance that it comes back quicker,” he noted. “But if you handle it right, normally you can just go on without having issues.”
Rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler was also scheduled to pitch in Atlanta before forearm tightness surfaced during the week. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the 24-year-old underwent an MRI and additional testing, all with clean results.
The team chose caution over rushing their promising prospect back to action.
“We think he’s fine, but it forced us to push him back,” Boone said.
Schlittler made an impressive MLB debut on July 9 against Seattle. He earned the victory while striking out seven batters over 5.1 innings.
Boone remains hopeful the rookie can return during the Toronto series next week.
The simultaneous absence of Fried, Schlittler, and Luis Gil (lat strain) has stretched the Yankees’ rotation resources dangerously thin.
Hamilton steps up as emergency opener option
Ian Hamilton drew Friday’s opening assignment against Atlanta in his fourth career appearance in that role. The right-hander allowed one run in two-thirds of an inning, similar to his brief outing against Chicago last Sunday.
Hamilton carries a 3.47 ERA across 31 appearances this season. He’s been particularly effective recently with a 1.17 ERA over his last 15.1 innings spanning 13 relief outings.
The Yankees followed Hamilton with a mix of relievers, including newcomer Rico Garcia and veteran J.T. Brubaker. Garcia joined the roster Thursday after being claimed off waivers from the Mets on Wednesday. The Yankees lost the game 7-3.
Rookie reliever Clayton Beeter was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Garcia.
“A guy with some talent that has a big arm became available, so we were able to get him,” Boone said.
Garcia and Brubaker were tasked with eating innings while the Yankees await healthier rotation options.
Weekend Yankees rotation set despite ongoing uncertainty
Charles Wenzelberg/New York PostAPNYY
Will Warren will start Saturday’s game against the Braves. Marcus Stroman takes the mound Sunday after throwing a bullpen session earlier this week.
Carlos Rodon, who pitched a clean inning in the All-Star Game, is lined up for Monday’s Toronto series opener.
Boone expressed optimism that Fried and Schlittler could return next week if their recoveries continue progressing.
“Hoping that with Cam and Max, it’s just short-term things,” Boone said. “We should be in a situation after [Friday] where hopefully our five guys are making their turns.”
Gil rehab continues as depth remains concern
Luis Gil made his second minor league rehab appearance Friday night as he works back from a lat strain. The promising starter needs at least one more outing before being considered for activation.
Sweet Lu 🔥@Yankees RHP Luis Gil punched out SEVEN in his second start of 2025!
While Gil’s progress is encouraging, the Yankees remain perilously thin on starting pitching depth.
The season-ending Tommy John surgeries to Cole and Schmidt, combined with current injuries to Fried and Schlittler, highlight the team’s vulnerability.
Trade deadline acquisition of another starter appears increasingly necessary. The Yankees have been linked to several rotation arms, though rival executives cite the “Yankee tax” driving up asking prices.
Trade deadline pressure intensifies with rotation woes
The Yankees’ pitching depth crisis arrives at a crucial juncture. The July 31 trade deadline looms with the AL East race still undecided.
General manager Brian Cashman faces a difficult decision in the coming days. He can either trust internal options to stabilize or pursue external reinforcements at premium prices.
While Fried and Schlittler are expected back soon, the Yankees recognize that October success demands reliable depth.
The next 10 days will determine whether the rotation holes can be patched internally or require significant investment in outside help.
Esteban Quinones is a proud graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Growing up just blocks away from Yankee Stadium in Upper Manhattan, Esteban developed a deep love for the New York Yankees, a passion that has been a constant throughout his life. Whether it's cheering for the Yankees or crafting strategic communications, Esteban brings dedication and enthusiasm to producing content around all things Yankees.
