With their season on the line, the New York Yankees will turn to Max Fried for Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees trail the series 0-2 after consecutive losses in Tampa Bay and must win Wednesday to keep their season alive.
Fried enters the biggest start of his postseason with his family also preparing for an important moment, as his girlfriend is expecting their child. Fried said Tuesday that he remains committed to making his start regardless of when the baby arrives.
The left-hander could be a particularly favorable matchup against Tampa Bay’s lineup. The Rays posted a .678 on-base plus slugging percentage against left-handed pitching during the regular season, compared with a .751 mark against right-handers.
Fried also brings an extensive pitch mix and a different approach than the Yankees’ first two starters in the series. Gerrit Cole allowed one run over five innings in Game 1, while Cam Schlittler surrendered four runs over 4.1 innings in Game 2.
The Yankees also considered Carlos Rodón for Game 3, but Fried was selected first, with Rodón lined up for a potential Game 4.
Fried faced Tampa Bay twice during the regular season, allowing seven runs over 14.2 innings. He enters Wednesday’s start fully built up after missing more than two weeks in August with an elbow bruise.
He last pitched in the postseason during the Wild Card Series, limiting Boston to one run on three hits over six innings in Game 2.
Wednesday’s game begins at 8 p.m. at Yankee Stadium.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
