The New York Yankees are activating left-hander Max Fried from the injured list ahead of schedule to pitch in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fried, sidelined since May 14 with a bone bruise, was initially slated for another minor league rehab start.

However, Tuesday's game postponement due to weather prompted a change in plans. Gerrit Cole will start the opener, with Fried taking the mound for Game 2. Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence, stating, "Max was way on board with it. I think it makes a ton of sense." Fried, a three-time All-Star, is 4-3 with a 3.21 ERA in 10 starts this season.

Fried recently pitched three innings in a rehab outing for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, allowing two runs and five hits. While Boone noted Fried isn't at full capacity, he believes the pitcher is ready. The activation sets up the rotation for upcoming games, including a weekend series in Philadelphia. Fried, 32, signed an $218 million, eight-year contract with the Yankees in December 2024.