Yankees LHP Max Fried (blister) exits game vs. Cubs early

Field Level Media|published: Sat 12th July, 14:57 2025

Jul 12, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried (54) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried exited Saturday's game against the visiting Chicago Cubs with a blister on his left thumb after laboring through three innings.

Fried allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits in three innings. During Chicago's three-run third, YES Network cameras spotted Fried looking at a blister on his left thumb and the Yankees announced it as the reason for his exit an inning later.

Fried began the day with an 11-2 record and a 2.27 ERA but has now allowed at least three runs four times in his past five outings.

Fried was named to the AL All-Star team but replaced by teammate Carlos Rodon on Friday.

The Cubs scored three in the third off Fried, whose velocity on most of his pitches was down from his season average.

The Yankees are without right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole after he underwent Tommy John surgery in March. Righty Clarke Schmidt underwent the same surgery Friday after exiting a July 3 start in Toronto with forearm tightness, and right-hander Luis Gil is inching closer to fully recovering from a strained lat he sustained in spring training.

--Field Level Media