The New York Yankees are looking for pitcher Max Fried to rediscover his early-season dominance as they battle the St. Louis Cardinals in the middle game of a vital three-game wild-card series on Saturday night. Fried, who owns a 12-5 record with a 2.94 ERA this season, has struggled recently, allowing eight runs over 16 hits in his last 10 innings, coinciding with two Yankees losses.
Yankees Enter Series with Momentum and Narrow Wild-Card Lead
The Yankees secured a 4-3 win on Friday, marking their third victory in four games and maintaining their hold on the third American League wild-card spot. They currently sit 1 1/2 games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians in a crowded playoff race. Despite Fried’s recent difficulties, he had a remarkable 1.92 ERA during his first 17 starts, though his performance has slipped, allowing 29 runs, 24 earned, over the past 36 innings in seven starts.
Aaron Boone Addresses Fried’s Performance Challenges
Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented on Fried’s recent outings following a 7-1 loss to the Houston Astros.
“I do think his stuff is good,”
Boone said.
“He is throwing hard. His cutter looks good to me. The breaks on his pitches are good. … It comes down to command throughout. I feel like he has been a little bit scattered throughout.”
Boone’s remarks reveal confidence in Fried’s abilities, while highlighting the need for improved consistency on the mound.
Fried’s Strong History Against Cardinals Brings Optimism
Fried boasts an impressive record against the Cardinals, standing at 5-0 with a 1.10 ERA in six appearances, including five starts. This favorable history adds a hopeful note for the Yankees as they seek crucial wins in a heated wild-card battle. Meanwhile, the Yankees might return veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to the starting lineup, as he recovers from a mild knee strain and briefly appeared as a defensive replacement on Friday.
Goldschmidt Cautious but Ready to Contribute for Yankees
Goldschmidt expressed his eagerness to play but stressed caution regarding his health:
“I knew we were coming here, and I would love to play,”
he said.
“But if that wasn’t going to be possible, or it was going to be an injury risk, I understand the big picture. I was not going to try to push it any more than I would against anyone else.”
His careful approach reflects the team’s need to balance competitiveness with player health.
Cardinals Seek to Halt Recent Losing Streak in Wild-Card Chase
The St. Louis Cardinals have dropped three straight games, slipping further behind in the National League wild-card race, now 3 1/2 games out of the final postseason spot. They will start right-hander Sonny Gray, who holds an 11-5 record with a 4.06 ERA. Gray’s last two outings have been strong, yielding just three runs (two earned) on six hits across 14 innings while striking out 15 batters with only two walks.
Sonny Gray Thrives under High-Pressure Matchups
Gray’s recent success came in narrow 3-2 wins against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, raising his confidence ahead of the high-stakes game against the Yankees.
“I do just think these games are more fun,”
Gray said of the Dodgers matchup.
“You play the Dodgers in Dodger Stadium, I enjoy and I appreciate the challenge. It’s kind of like, ‘OK, let’s see where I’m at, let’s see where I stack up.’ I appreciate that challenge.”
Reflecting on his outing against the Cubs in a nationally televised Sunday Night Baseball game, Gray added,
“It’s a Sunday Night Baseball game on national TV against the Cubs, in a rivalry. It’s just a little bit more fun. It’s another thing of, let’s see where I stack up. I’ve got all my friends watching; I’m not trying to look like an idiot out there.”
Gray’s remarks highlight his competitive edge and desire to perform on big stages.
Gray’s Familiarity with Yankees Adds Intrigue to Saturday’s Matchup
Having spent the 2017-18 seasons with the Yankees, Gray brings insider knowledge to the contest. He is 2-2 with a 3.38 ERA in seven career starts against New York. This background sets the stage for an intense pitching duel in front of a national audience.
Cardinals’ Lineup May Face Challenges Due to Injuries
The Cardinals will monitor the status of first baseman Willson Contreras, sidelined with a bruised foot, and utility player Brendan Donovan, who is dealing with soreness in his left foot and a left groin strain. Both players sat out Friday’s game and remain questionable for Saturday, possibly affecting the team’s depth and options during this critical stretch.
Implications of Saturday’s Wild-Card Game on Postseason Prospects
This pivotal clash between the Yankees and Cardinals carries heavy consequences for both teams’ wild-card hopes. With the Yankees aiming to strengthen their slim lead in the AL wild-card race and the Cardinals striving to close the gap in the NL standings, the performances of Fried and Gray will be closely scrutinized. Successful outings could provide momentum for the rest of the season, while struggles might deepen playoff uncertainty.