The New York Yankees clawed their way to a 9-4 victory over the American League East-leading Chicago White Sox on Monday, but don’t let that final score fool you. They had to fight tooth and nail after Max Fried, their returning ace, gave them a season-low-tying three-inning start that mirrored his worst outing all year. After dropping an 11-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, this game could have gone sideways in a hurry if not for a monster rally.
Fried’s Struggles Are Becoming a Worrying Trend
Talk about a tough comeback story, huh? Fried was back from a two-month absence for a left elbow bone bruise, and his first start last Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates looked promising, with just one hit in five innings. But Monday? Yikes. He gave up three runs on five hits in three innings, just like his May 13 nightmare against the Baltimore Orioles where he got shelled for three runs on five hits in three frames during a 7-0 loss. Fried only threw 39 strikes on 66 pitches, fanning four and walking two, but that three-run first inning set a terrible tone. Four of his five hits allowed came right in that opening frame. Look, it’s great the bullpen and offense picked him up, but that was a definite step backward from his return debut. Is the arm really 100 percent? It’s fair to ask.
Chisholm Jr. and Rice Refuse to Quit
Luckily for the Yankees, their bats decided they weren’t going down without a fight. Jazz Chisholm Jr. was an absolute force, tying the game in the fourth inning with a clutch two-run double that scored Paul Goldschmidt and Jasson Domínguez. Then, because he’s Jazz, he stole third and scored on a Spencer Jones ground out. What a sequence, right? He wasn’t done either. Later, with the Yankees up just one run in the eighth, Chisholm ripped an RBI single to score Domínguez again, padding that 6-4 lead and blowing the game open. His 2-for-4, two-RBI night from the sixth spot was exactly what the team needed, pushing his season line to .226/.299/.414 with 45 RBI and 29 steals through 99 games. Seriously, this guy is electric.
And how about Ben Rice stepping up big time? With Aaron Judge out and Cody Bellinger sidelined for the next month due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, someone needed to grab the moment. Rice delivered a go-ahead RBI single with two outs in the seventh inning to score Amed Rosario, giving the Yankees a much-needed boost after the White Sox had tied the game at 4-4 in the fifth. Rice’s 2-for-4 evening also included a leadoff walk that sparked the huge fourth inning. He’s slashing .275/.363/.585 with 73 RBI through 101 games. This dude is meeting the moment. Max Schuemann, though, going 0-for-5 out of the leadoff spot and now 0-for-7 in two games, isn’t cutting it. These guys need to find some answers with the trade deadline looming.
What’s next for the Yankees? They’re back in action against the White Sox tonight at 7:40 p.m. New York sends RHP Gerrit Cole (3-5, 3.92 ERA) to the mound against Chicago LHP Anthony Kay (7-4, 4.21 ERA). Can Cole stabilize things, or will the bullpen be forced to carry the load again? It’s going to be a must-watch for sure.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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