Max Fried (elbow) will face Boston in doubleheader

That will be this weekend in San Diego. Fried threw 63 pitches in his start on Saturday, so he should be built up to at least 70 pitches by the weekend, but he has also battled a bone bruise in his elbow that has come from hyperextension while pitching. The Yankees may want to keep his pitch count in check before the postseason. For his part, Warren was great on Sunday against the Red Sox, but it seems that his reward might be a few innings of bulk relief in his next outing. That makes it tough to trust either pitcher this week.

Fried gave up three hits, walked one and struck out four. He threw 63 pitches in his first start since returning from an elbow injury. It could take another few starts before the Yankees relax Fried’s pitch count, but overall he pitched well. He’s lined up to face the Padres on the road next weekend.

As anticipated, Fried will return from the injured list to start the nightcap of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Red Sox. The 32-year-old southpaw is expected to be limited to around 60 pitches in the contest, which could impact his ability to pitch long enough to earn a victory.

Rodón looked very good while allowing one run and throwing 61 pitches through four, but his defense let him down in the fifth and he seemed to let his frustrations get the best of him while walking Eli White and plunking Jahmai Jones to load the bases with two outs. Yerry De los Santos took over then and got Ceddanne Rafaela to fly out to end the threat. Rodón ended up throwing 86 pitches, which is right where the Yankees wanted him after 66 pitches in his return from the IL and 76 pitches last time out. He’s yet to complete five innings since coming back from elbow inflammation, but with any luck, that will happen next time out versus the Padres.

Blake added that Fried was up to 60 pitches during his final live batting practice session earlier this week, which is roughly the same number they’re targeting in his return from the injured list. The 32-year-old upper-echelon fantasy starter will be officially activated from the injured list prior to the nightcap of Saturday’s doubleheader against Boston.

Max Fried (elbow) will be activated from the injured list prior to the nightcap of Saturday’s twin bill at Yankee Stadium. Beck provides New York’s bullpen with a fresh arm after Cam Schlittler and three relievers combined on a five-hit shutout during Friday’s pivotal series opener.

This obviously makes the most sense, since Fried will be coming off the IL and there’s no reason to send someone down prior to the first game, but the Yankees didn’t want to confirm anything until after tonight’s game finished.

Fried completed a four-inning live batting practice session on Monday and appears to be on the precipice of returning from the injured list. The 32-year-old ace unexpectedly hit the injured list with a bone bruise and inflammation in his elbow earlier this month. It sounds like there’s a strong possibility he’s back in New York’s rotation this weekend.

Rodón struck out two while allowing two free passes. This was his second start since late June as he makes his way back from elbow inflammation. After throwing 66 pitches earlier this week, the veteran southpaw built up to 76 on Sunday. Rodón’s health became a bit more important for the Yankees after Ryan Weathers suffered an arm injury this weekend. He’s scheduled to pitch at home against the Red Sox in his next outing.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Friday that Fried will progress to facing hitters in a live batting practice session next week before adding that a return following a minimum stint on the injured list is “in play.” There’s been nothing but optimistic news flowing out of New York’s clubhouse since Fried hit the injured list with a bone bruise and inflammation in his elbow earlier this week. There’s a realistic chance he’s back before the end of August.