Yankees left-hander Max Fried exited Wednesday’s start against the Baltimore Orioles after three innings due to elbow soreness, marking another setback for the three-time All-Star. Fried allowed three runs and five hits before departing, with team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad scheduled to evaluate him in New York. The injury adds to his history of arm issues, including four IL stints from 2018-2023 for blister problems and a layoff last year.

Fried, 32, has a 3.21 ERA in 10 starts this season but has struggled recently, permitting five runs in six innings against Milwaukee. His absence highlights New York’s reliance on depth, as Carlos Rodon returned from October elbow surgery and Gerrit Cole nears a return from ligament replacement. Cole, a 2023 AL Cy Young winner, has completed five minor league rehab starts and is set for two more before rejoining the rotation.

The Yankees’ rotation also includes Cam Schlitter, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers, and Luis Gil, the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year, who was placed on the IL Friday with shoulder inflammation. While New York’s starters have combined for 3.21 ERA this season, Fried’s injury raises questions about consistency, as his predecessors Rodon and Cole face similar recovery timelines.

Elbow injuries have derailed multiple Yankees pitchers this season, testing the team’s ability to maintain rotation stability. Fried’s latest issue underscores the physical toll of the 2025 campaign, with manager Aaron Boone emphasizing the need for strategic rest to preserve arms for the postseason push.