After a crushing 10-1 defeat to begin the ALDS, the New York Yankees turn to Max Fried to help them level the series against the Toronto Blue Jays before they head to the Bronx for Games 3 and 4. Fried has arguably been the Yankees' best starter this season, and his elite stuff is what fans will hope comes good against the Blue Jays.
Fried started Game 1 of the Wild Card round and threw 6 ⅓ scoreless innings before turning things over to the bullpen. The decision to start Fried was taken by Aaron Boone on Saturday.The highest-earning southpaw in the majors enters the postseason on the back of an excellent regular season, which saw him post a 19–5 record and a 2.86 ERA over 32 starts.
Fried has done well in his previous seven starts against the Blue Jays. Going 4-1, the lefty has recorded an ERA of 2.70 and 27 strikeouts.
The Yankees will require Fried to go deep as their relievers were heavily taxed in Game 1. Luis Gil couldn't last three innings on the mound, resulting in relievers like Tim Hill, Camilo Doval, Luke Weaver, Fernando Cruz and Paul Blackburn covering the remaining 19 outs.
Max Fried to be rivaled by Blue Jays rookie on other end
Max Fried will have to wait out his turn to get to the mound, as it will be Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage, making his first postseason start, and start the proceedings against Aaron Judge & Co.
In three starts and 14 innings, Yesavage posted a 3.21 ERA with 16 strikeouts. He's about to get tested against Judge in the first inning.