During the New York Yankees’ critical 7–5 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez applauded pitcher Max Fried for his exceptional focus and determination. Martínez highlighted Fried’s ability to

“flip the switch and lock in,”

commending the left-hander’s intense competitive edge that helped steer the Yankees through a tough game.

The Red Sox legend remarked that Fried

“took the lead, smelled blood—like any true ace—and went to work,”

emphasizing how Fried embraced the challenge as the team battled to regain momentum.

Fried’s Command Anchors Yankees Amid Challenges

Despite an early two-run triple from the Rays in the first inning, Fried quickly regained control, delivering 6⅔ innings with nine strikeouts, allowing only four hits and two earned runs. His 111 pitches reflected a season-high workload, crucial in a game where the Yankees’ bullpen had recently been exhausted. By the fourth inning, Fried had retired 14 consecutive batters, demonstrating his sharp command on the mound.

With the Yankees missing star slugger Aaron Judge and coping with bullpen fatigue, Fried’s resilience became the backbone of the victory. His home ERA stands impressively at 2.24 at Yankee Stadium, illustrating his dominance in front of the home crowd, while his 2.88 ERA on the road still ranks among the American League’s best pitchers.

Statistical Evidence of Fried’s Elite Status

Through 22 starts this season, Fried holds an 11–4 record, a 2.62 ERA, and a 1.03 WHIP, compiling 125 strikeouts over 134 innings. These figures place him firmly among the league’s top hurlers, comparable to standout AL pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet. His consistent performance keeps him in Cy Young Award discussions, further confirming his ascent as a premier ace.

Martínez’s praise reflects these numbers, stating,

“Sharp breaking balls, sharper focus … he just kept getting better,”

reinforcing Fried’s growth and reliability during a critical phase of the season.

Fried’s Impact on Yankees’ Playoff Hopes

As the race within the American League East intensifies, with the Yankees narrowing the gap to four games behind the division leader, Fried’s leadership and clutch performances are vital. The team is leaning heavily on their ace to stabilize their pitching staff and remain competitive in the playoff push.

Tuesday night’s effort by Fried provided a much-needed boost, showing that the Yankees can depend on him to handle pressure situations and help the team bounce back from recent setbacks.