The New York Yankees seem to have put a harsh slump behind them as they swept the Seattle Mariners on Thursday with a chance of closing out the first part of the season on a high note.
The team has been bolstered by several standout performances and is set to have several representatives in the upcoming All-Star game, including franchise slugger Aaron Judge and infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., who will also participate in the Home Run Derby.
But the Yankees’ newly acquired ace, Max Fried, surprisingly dropped out of the game and will be replaced by a teammate on the roster.
“Ace Max Fried will no longer be available to pitch in the All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta next week,” NJ.com’s Max Goodman reported. “Fellow left-hander Carlos Rodon took his spot as a reserve pitcher, the league announced.”
Fried has been excellent this season, posting a 2.27 ERA and a Major League Baseball-leading 11 wins in 19 starts so far this season. The chance to start the All-Star Game in Atlanta, where he played for eight seasons before joining the Yankees, would have been special.
“Fried spoke last weekend after his start against the (New York) Mets about what it would mean for him to be back in Atlanta where he spent his entire big-league career prior to signing with the Yankees,” Goodman added. “A case could’ve been made for Fried to even start that game, with his manager Aaron Boone at the helm of the AL Dugout after the Yankees’ trip to the World Series last fall, although Tigers ace and reigning Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal would’ve been the favorite.”
Instead, Fried will be skipping the game entirely. The news immediately raised health concerns around the Yankees starter, but the team informed Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News that he is still expected to make Saturday’s start against the Chicago Cubs.
“Max Fried is still scheduled to start for the Yankees tomorrow,” Phillips reported. “I’m told he’s fine.”
Fans might be disappointed that Fried won’t be taking the mound at the All-Star Game, but it seems they can breathe a sigh of relief after a concerning surprise.
