On July 23, 2025, Yankees pitcher Max Fried left a game against the Toronto Blue Jays with bloodied hands, raising concerns related to a recurring blister issue. Fried, who has repeatedly battled blisters on his left index finger during past seasons including 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023, appeared to struggle as the blister problem resurfaced once again, coinciding with the Yankees’ 8-4 defeat to their divisional rivals.
Despite Fried’s dominant performance early in the game, where he retired the first 10 batters he faced and looked like a serious Cy Young contender, he departed during the fifth inning while trailing by a single run. The sight of his injured pinkie finger led many to assume his blister had worsened, but Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided a more hopeful update after the game.
Regarding Fried’s condition, Boone said,
“Yeah, yeah, I just talked to him, and he had no issues.”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
He added simply that Fried “was good,” suggesting the injury was not as severe as initially feared.
Pitching Challenges and Limited Arsenal Reflect Fried’s Reduced Effectiveness
Fried’s pitching during the game indicated that he was not at full capability, regardless of his blister status. His use of his signature “sweeper” pitch was limited to only four throws, and his first changeup did not appear until after 18 pitches. Furthermore, Fried refrained from throwing a curveball until his 45th pitch, indicating a more cautious approach in his pitch selection. This reduction in his usual repertoire suggested discomfort or strategic adjustment due to injury or other factors.
Yankees’ Defensive Struggles Compound Team’s Problems
Beyond Fried’s issues, the Yankees’ defense faltered significantly, which contributed to their ongoing difficulties against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Boone acknowledged the team’s defensive shortcomings following the game, criticizing their overall performance on the field.
He stated,
“Yeah, just not good enough. You know, look, I think we have a very good defense club clearly in the seven games we’ve played up here, you know, not giving them extra outs, whether it’s through error or not making a play that we needed to make.”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
Boone further warned that this weakness has been costly, adding,
“That’s cost us in these two series up here where we really hurt.”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
The Yankees were last swept in a four-game series at Rogers Centre and have now suffered two losses in three games during this return visit, intensifying concerns about their ability to compete at this venue.
Offensive and Defensive Errors Deepen Yankees’ Troubles Against Blue Jays
Wednesday night’s game was marked by the Yankees managing just five hits while committing four errors, nearly matching their offensive output with defensive mistakes. Notably, right fielder Cody Bellinger, one of the Yankees’ key off-season signings, lost a fly ball in the lights or sun, resulting in a triple for Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement. This misplay was not officially recorded as an error, but it significantly shifted momentum in Toronto’s favor.
Afterward, Boone offered a measured explanation, partly attributing the team’s problems to the artificial turf at Rogers Centre. He said,
“I think it’s just two bad series where we played here. I don’t know if it’s just coming to the turf—that’s not really an excuse, it’s the same game—but obviously I think in these series we’ve given them too many outs and it’s cost us.”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
Despite these issues in Toronto, the Yankees’ overall defense ranks around the middle of the league with 52 errors, suggesting the team is neither among the worst nor the best defensively. Still, the cumulative mistakes at critical moments have hampered their ability to secure victories.
Implications for Yankees’ Standings and Future Adjustments
With the recent loss, the Yankees have slipped further down in the American League East standings, underlining the urgency to improve both pitching durability and defensive reliability. The recurring Max Fried injury and the ongoing miscues highlight vulnerabilities that could affect the team’s playoff prospects this season.
Looking ahead, the Yankees face pressure to address these weaknesses as the trade deadline approaches, hoping roster moves might bolster the team’s consistency and competitiveness. Manager Aaron Boone’s optimistic update on Fried’s condition provides some relief, but the broader issues on the field remain troubling.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Max Fried’s religion?
A. Fried was born on January 18, 1994, in Santa Monica, California. He was raised in Encino, Los Angeles, as the middle child of Carrie and Jonathan Fried. He is Jewish. His younger brother, Jake, is also a pitcher and went to the University of Arizona.
Q. Is Max Fried an ace?
A. Fried has consistently performed well in the major leagues, but he wasn’t always the top pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. When he joined the Yankees, he had to take on the role of the team’s leading pitcher. Since then, his performance has been outstanding. Over 20 starts and 122 innings, Fried achieved an 11-3 record with a 2.43 ERA.