Toronto – The New York Yankees wrapped up their Atlanta road trip, capturing two of three contests while receiving positive updates regarding their depleted pitching staff. With Toronto’s three-game series approaching, the Yankees’ injured hurlers display encouraging recovery progress—several contributors could rejoin the roster shortly.
Fried overcomes blister, ready for Blue Jays assignment
MLB
Max Fried appears ready following his premature exit on July 12 caused by left index finger blistering—an issue that previously forced three separate stints on the sidelines. The All-Star lefty successfully threw Sunday’s bullpen session and remains scheduled for Wednesday’s series conclusion versus Toronto.
“He should be good to go,” manager Aaron Boone confirmed. “I feel good about it.”
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
Through 20 appearances this campaign, Fried has delivered excellence: 2.43 ERA, 1.008 WHIP, with 113 strikeouts across 122 frames. While his blister history generated anxiety following the early departure, Sunday’s problem-free throwing session calmed organizational concerns.
Schlittler to start Tuesday in Toronto
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The organization’s No. 10-rated prospect Cam Schlittler participated in weekend bullpen activities without complications. The 24-year-old right-hander will take Tuesday’s opening assignment against Toronto after scratching from his scheduled Atlanta appearance with upper-arm discomfort.
Schlittler’s major league introduction impressed earlier this month. He worked 5.1 innings versus Seattle, allowing three runs while recording seven strikeouts. Yankees officials exercised caution by postponing his Atlanta turn and ordering diagnostic imaging. With scans revealing no damage, he’ll resume regular duties.
Yarbrough’s recovery timeline extends into mid-August
Southpaw Ryan Yarbrough continues rehabilitation from right oblique complications that prompted injured list placement June 22. His throwing regimen commenced July 9, though mound sessions haven’t begun. The measured rehabilitation pace indicates mid-August availability at earliest.
Yankees brass anticipated Yarbrough would supply extended relief capabilities or emergency starting depth. However, the methodical recovery approach acknowledges oblique injuries’ complexity—particularly for pitching personnel.
Cruz makes gradual recovery progress
Right-handed bullpen option Fernando Cruz, sidelined June 30 with severe oblique damage, demonstrates measured improvement. Recovery specifics remain sparse, though recent intelligence suggests catch sessions could start this weekend.
Aaron Boone indicated an August return is possible, while emphasizing the schedule depends on Cruz’s response during rehabilitation escalation.
Leiter advances toward bullpen sessions
Mark Leiter Jr., inactive since July 7 with left fibular head stress fracture, restarted throwing July 18 in Atlanta. Plans call for bullpen work during Toronto’s July 21-23 visit, contingent on subsequent imaging results.
The right-hander provided valuable middle-relief coverage before injury struck. Early August activation remains feasible, determined by his tolerance for intensified throwing programs over upcoming days.
Yankees rotation depth chart gains clarity
Fried and Schlittler’s clearance for upcoming assignments, combined with Yarbrough and Leiter’s steady progression, signals improving health throughout the Yankees’ pitching infrastructure following an injury-plagued opening half.
Although rotation cornerstones Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil face extended absences, blending veteran presence with rising talent provides Boone enhanced options navigating the AL East race. Fried’s recovery and Schlittler’s development prove crucial as New York pursues playoff positioning.
