The New York Yankees placed Max Fried on the injured list on Monday, retroactive to Friday, with a left elbow bone bruise.
It's the same injury that forced him to miss over two months, but the Yankees seem to be taking a cautious approach with him and don't expect he will miss as much time this time. According to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, manager Aaron Boone believes Fried could miss the minimum amount of time.
"We just kind of collectively decided it’s probably best to make sure we get this calmed down and hopefully keep it a smaller issue,” Boone said.
“He was close to being able to make his next start, but we’re just trying to be a little bit cautious here and manage this thing as we get down the stretch,” Boone added.
It does not sound like this is something that will force Fried to miss the postseason, unless it bothers him again after coming back. The Yankees have not had Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Fried in the rotation together all year.
If Fried does miss the minimum amount of time, in two weeks the Yankees could have that group together for the first time all year. Fried has a 2.81 ERA in 15 starts this season, and would presumably start Game 1 or 2 of a postseason series for the Yankees.
It's wise for the Yankees to play it safe with him, knowing the most important games are still to come.