The New York Yankees have made a notable change to their pitching lineup for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, with Carlos Rodón stepping in to replace Max Fried on the American League roster. The announcement was made by Major League Baseball on Friday, signaling a strategic adjustment rather than an injury withdrawal.
Though Fried remains healthy, the scheduling of the Yankees’ rotation influences this decision. Fried is slated to start against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, leaving him only two days’ rest before the All-Star Game on Tuesday—insufficient time to pitch.
Roster Changes Reflect Strategic Pitching Management
Rodón is scheduled to start on Friday’s series opener against the Cubs, which allows him four days of rest prior to the All-Star game. This rest period makes it more feasible for him to contribute in a short inning during the game. With Aaron Boone, the Yankees’ manager, serving as the manager for the American League All-Star team, he will decide how Rodón’s participation will unfold.
Max Fried becomes the sixth player to withdraw from the initial All-Star roster. Other notable withdrawals include Alex Bregman of the Boston Red Sox, José Ramírez from the Cleveland Guardians, Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves, Robbie Ray representing the San Francisco Giants, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Fried’s Strong Season and Rodón’s Qualifying Performance
Despite Fried’s withdrawal, his recent performance this season validates his All-Star credentials. Since signing an eight-year, $218 million deal with the Yankees last December, Fried has maintained a 2.27 ERA and tallied 111 strikeouts over 119 innings. Many view him as a potential starter for the American League team if not for the presence of Tarik Skubal, another strong contender.
Meanwhile, Carlos Rodón has posted a 3.30 ERA with 127 strikeouts in 111.2 innings this season. He ranks fifth in the American League for strikeouts per nine innings, averaging 10.2. Although the crowded pitching talent initially limited Rodón’s inclusion on the All-Star roster, his skill and statistics establish him as a solid pick for the game. This marks his third career All-Star selection, having previously participated in 2021 as a member of the Chicago White Sox and in 2022 representing the Giants.
Implications for the All-Star Game and Yankees’ Strategy
The starting pitchers for the Midsummer Classic are expected to be announced on Monday, which will finalize the pitching rotations and lineup decisions. Rodón’s addition offers the Yankees an opportunity to showcase two strong pitchers on the American League squad, enhancing the team’s depth and strategic options. The substitution also emphasizes the delicate balance managers must maintain between players’ workloads and high-profile events like the All-Star Game.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Max Fried wear 54?
A. Max Fried has joined the Yankees! He’ll continue wearing the number 54, just like he did when playing in Atlanta.
Q. What is Max Fried’s religion?
A. Fried was born and raised in Encino, California. He is the middle child of Carrie and Jonathan Fried and is Jewish. His younger brother Jake, who is also a pitcher, went to the University of Arizona.
Q. Is Max Fried an ace?
A. The Yankees plan to start their top left-handed pitcher, Max Fried (10-2, 2.13 ERA), to end their six-game losing streak. Fried has a record of 9-5 with a 2.50 ERA in 24 games (19 starts) against the Mets.
Q. What religion is Max Fried?
A. Early life. Fried was born and raised in Encino, California. He is the middle child of Carrie and Jonathan Fried and comes from a Jewish family. His younger brother, Jake, who also plays as a pitcher, went to the University of Arizona.