Yankees ace Max Fried out with elbow injury, what's next?

TL;DR

Max Fried has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left elbow bone bruise. He will be shut down from throwing for a few weeks, but does not expect surgery.

Key points

Max Fried placed on 15-day injured list
Injury is a left elbow bone bruise
Fried will be shut down from throwing for weeks
He has a 3.21 ERA this season
Signed an eight-year $218 million contract

New York YankeesMax FriedBaltimore Orioles

The New York Yankees placed Max Fried on the 15-day injured list Friday with what the team called a left elbow bone bruise. It will not be just a brief stint on the IL.

While Fried told reporters he was encouraged by the imaging and that he doesn’t expect to need surgery, he will be shut down from throwing for a few weeks. The Yankees also said Dr. Neal ElAttrache will review the MRI on Thursday.

Fried exited Wednesday's start against the Baltimore Orioles after three innings, having allowed three runs on five hits and a walk on 61 pitches. He described a hyperextension sensation in the elbow that had come and gone throughout the season before becoming impossible to pitch through.

The 32-year old left-hander has been excellent in 2026, posting a 3.21 ERA over 61 2/3 innings, the most in the majors this season. He signed an eight-year $218 million deal with New York in December 2024, the fourth largest contract ever given to a pure pitcher.