Yankees Face Pitching Crisis as Max Fried, Cam Schlittler Out
UPDATE: The New York Yankees are grappling with a critical pitching crisis as they kick off the second half of the season against the Atlanta Braves on July 14, 2023. With both starters Max Fried and Cam Schlittler sidelined, the Yankees are forced to rely on a bullpen game to navigate an already challenging situation.
Just days after the All-Star break, the Yankees’ rotation is in disarray. Originally slated to face his former team at Truist Park, Fried was ruled out due to a blister on his left index finger. Although he reported improvement, Yankees management opted to give him extended rest to ensure full recovery. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the decision, emphasizing the importance of Fried’s health moving forward.
Meanwhile, Schlittler’s status is also uncertain after experiencing “upper-arm soreness” earlier this week. Despite undergoing tests and an MRI that showed no significant issues, the rookie will not pitch Friday night. Boone expressed hope that both pitchers would return for the upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays, scheduled from July 17 to 19.
The Yankees are in a precarious position. With Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt unavailable due to injuries, the team has turned to reliever Ian Hamilton to start against the Braves. This unexpected rotation leaves the Yankees scrambling to find solutions ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
“Hoping that with Cam and Max, it’s just short-term things where we move them in the rotation and hopefully fine moving forward,” Boone said. “We should be in a situation after [Friday] where hopefully our five guys are making their turns.”
As for Fried, missing this weekend’s matchup is particularly disappointing. “It’s something I was looking forward to,” he stated. “Missing that opportunity to be able to pitch was definitely frustrating, but we’ve got the rest of the season to worry about.” He noted that while his recovery is progressing well, he is focused on ensuring the blister fully heals before he sees the mound again.
The Yankees’ struggles underscore an urgent need for reinforcements. With Luis Gil returning from a lat strain, the Yankees are still reeling from the absence of key players. The pressure is mounting as they work against the clock to bolster their rotation before the deadline, especially as playoff aspirations hang in the balance.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Yankees can navigate this storm and make crucial moves ahead of the deadline. The situation is fluid and developments are expected to unfold rapidly as the team prepares for their next series.
This pitching crisis not only affects the Yankees’ immediate performance but could also have long-term implications for their playoff chances. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.
