The Yankees have waited nearly two seasons to see Gerrit Cole and Max Fried in the starting rotation. They will finally get their wish over the course of a six-hour period.
In a surprise move, the Yanks will now pitch Fried in the second game of tomorrow's doubleheader against the Pirates, as he will piggyback Cole, who will get the ball to start the first leg of the twin bill. It will mark the first time the two aces will be in the rotation together since New York signed Fried after the 2024 season, and they will now pitch on the same day. Cole was out for Fried's entire debut season in pinstripes due to recovery from Tommy John surgery.
It was originally planned for Fried to pitch one more rehab start before rejoining the club, but instead, he will pitch in his first big-league game since May 14. The 2025 All-Star has been on the shelf with a bone bruise in his left elbow.
Fried was pitching to a 3.21 ERA in 61.2 innings of work prior to the injury.
With Fried back in the fold, the Yankees vaunted rotation is nearly back to full strength, as they await Carlos Rodon, who recently received a second round of PRP injections in his elbow.
Fried and Cole will both pitch in Wednesday's doubleheader.
Fried and Cole will both pitch in Wednesday's doubleheader.
