07/22/2026
SURPRISE RETURN: Max Fried & Gerrit Cole Form 1-2 Punch vs. Pirates:
The New York Yankees accelerated left-handed ace Max Friedโs return from the injured list, tapping him to start Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Yankee Stadium (with Gerrit Cole taking Game 1).
โพ Key Details of the Activation
Timeline Moved Up: Fried was originally scheduled for one more rehab start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before rejoining the rotation next week. Following Tuesday's rainout, Manager Aaron Boone and the Yankees shifted plans early to protect bullpen usage and set up their rotation for an upcoming 10-game road trip.
Pitch Count Expected: Having thrown 52 pitches over 3.0 innings in his sole rehab outing on Friday, Fried will be on a pitch limit as he builds up his stamina at the Major League level.
Injury Background: Fried had been sidelined since May 14 with a bone bruise in his throwing elbow.
2026 Season Performance: Before the injury, Fried carried a 4-3 record with a 3.21 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts across 10 starts.
Rotation Impact: This marks the first time during the 2026 season that Max Fried and Gerrit Cole are active on the roster together.