The Yankees are navigating a delicate balance as they approach the All-Star break, with a focus on both the health of key players and the performance of their current roster. Left-handed pitcher Max Fried, who has been out since May with a left elbow bone bruise, is set to take a crucial step in his recovery. Manager Aaron Boone announced that Fried will throw off the mound tomorrow, indicating that his elbow has shown improvement through recent imaging. This development sets the stage for Fried's eventual return to the rotation, with the team aiming for a July comeback. The Yankees' rotation has held its own in Fried's absence, boasting a 3.49 ERA, which is the fourth-best in the Majors. Cam Schlittler, Carlos Rodón, and Will Warren have all contributed to this success, with Schlittler even being considered a Cy Young Award contender. However, Gerrit Cole's performance has been somewhat inconsistent since his return from Tommy John surgery, while Ryan Weathers has struggled, posting a 6.44 ERA in his last five starts.
The Yankees' end goal is to have a strong rotation consisting of Schlittler, Fried, Cole, and Rodón. Given their current first-place standing in the AL East, the team will likely proceed with caution regarding Fried's recovery. The next clear timeline for his return will emerge once he begins a rehab assignment.
Turning to the offense, the Yankees are facing a different set of challenges. Catcher Austin Wells, who has been hitting poorly with a 53 wRC+ in 169 plate appearances, is expected to play in rehab games this week, putting him on track for a return later this month. Wells' performance has been a significant drop-off from last year's 94 wRC+. The team's injury report indicates that Wells has improved after an MRI on his neck came back negative, but his current form is barely replacement-level, primarily due to his defensive capabilities. J.C. Escarra and Ali Sánchez have also struggled offensively, with wRC+ figures of 35 and 20, respectively. This situation highlights the need for an upgrade behind the plate at the trade deadline.
In other injury news, Giancarlo Stanton, who has been dealing with a calf issue, will undergo imaging tomorrow. Reports suggest that he recently tweaked his calf while running the bases, and manager Boone acknowledged that Stanton's recovery may take longer due to his extensive injury history. This setback further underscores the Yankees' cautious approach to managing their players' health and the potential need for strategic roster adjustments as the season progresses.
