The New York Yankees are battling for a wild-card spot, but the recent performance of left-handed pitcher Max Fried has cast a shadow of doubt over their playoff aspirations. After a dominant first half of the season, Fried has struggled significantly since July, raising questions about his ability to lead the team in a potential playoff series. This article delves into Fried’s recent woes, examines potential causes, and explores what the Yankees need to do to address the situation.
With the team making strides and other contenders faltering, the spotlight is now on Fried to regain his form. His struggles could derail the Yankees’ playoff hopes. The team’s success hinges on Fried rediscovering his earlier dominance. This analysis covers his performance, potential remedies, and the implications for the Yankees’ season.
Max Fried’s Performance Dip
Max Fried’s season can be divided into two distinct phases. Before July, he was a Cy Young contender with a stellar 10-2 record and a 1.92 ERA. However, since July 1st, his performance has declined sharply. In eight starts, he is 3-3 with a 6.80 ERA and a 1.585 WHIP. This dramatic shift has raised concerns within the Yankees organization and among fans.
“I definitely have to change something and change it up quick,” Fried said after allowing a season-high seven runs in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. This statement underscores the urgency of the situation and Fried’s awareness of his struggles. The Yankees need Fried to return to his early-season form if they want to make a deep playoff run.
Aaron Boone’s Analysis of Fried’s Struggles
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has offered his perspective on Fried’s struggles, suggesting that “next-level strike-throwing” is the key issue. Boone noted that Fried has been walking more batters in recent starts, indicating a potential lack of control. In 41 innings since July 1st, Fried has walked 16 batters, compared to 21 walks in 108 innings before that.
However, Fried’s response to Boone’s theory suggests a difference in opinion. “Had one walk tonight,” Fried said, implying that he doesn’t believe walks are the primary problem. This disconnect between the manager’s assessment and the player’s perception could complicate efforts to address the issue. The Yankees need to find common ground to help Fried regain his control and confidence.
Potential Fatigue as a Cause
Multiple opposing team talent evaluators have suggested that fatigue could be a significant factor in Fried’s recent struggles. One AL scout noted that Fried’s high innings count going into July was a potential cause for concern. Fried threw 149 innings last season and 174 1/3 innings the year before, with a career high of 185 1/3 innings in 2022.
An NL scout echoed this sentiment, stating that “fatigue and elevated mistakes go hand in hand.” The scout pointed out that Fried’s misses were previously down in the zone, resulting in less damage, but now they are elevated mistakes left over the plate. If fatigue is indeed the issue, the Yankees may need to adjust Fried’s workload to help him regain his form.
Fried’s Physical Condition and Blister Issue
Fried left a July 12 start against the Cubs with a blister on his left index finger, but both Fried and the Yankees have stated that there is no lingering effect. Multiple opposing team talent evaluators have also said that they have not seen anything to suggest that Fried is pitching through any kind of discomfort.
Fried himself has denied that the issues are mechanical, further complicating the search for a solution. If neither physical discomfort nor mechanical issues are to blame, the Yankees must delve deeper to identify the root cause of Fried’s struggles. This may involve analyzing his pitch selection, mental approach, or other factors that could be affecting his performance.
Yankees’ Options and the Road Ahead
With the playoffs approaching, the Yankees need to determine whether Fried can regain his form in time to be a reliable option for Game 1 of a playoff series. If not, they may need to consider other pitchers for that role. However, the calendar reality is that Fried and the Yankees have time to figure things out before the organization starts talking about Game 1.
The Yankees’ success this season hinges on Fried’s ability to turn things around. If he can rediscover his earlier dominance, the Yankees will be a formidable force in the playoffs. If not, they may need to adjust their expectations and rely on other pitchers to lead the way.
Conclusion: The Urgency of the Situation
Max Fried’s recent struggles have created a pressing issue for the New York Yankees as they strive to secure a wild-card spot and make a deep playoff run. His performance decline since July has raised concerns about his ability to lead the team in crucial games. The Yankees must address this situation swiftly to ensure their playoff aspirations remain intact.
The key takeaways from this analysis include the severity of Fried’s performance dip, the differing opinions on the cause of his struggles, the potential role of fatigue, and the need for the Yankees to find a solution quickly. The implications for the Yankees’ season are significant, as their success hinges on Fried rediscovering his earlier dominance. The team’s ability to navigate this challenge will determine their fate in the playoffs.
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