Max Fried shines with career-high 13 strikeouts, validating Yankees’ investment in MLB’s top-paid lefty
Max Fried’s performance on Thursday night might just confirm the New York Yankees’ decision to make him the highest-earning southpaw in Major League Baseball. As the regular season winds down and the postseason looms ahead, Fried is hitting his stride.
In a commanding 7-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, Fried matched his career high with 13 strikeouts, showcasing his dominance on the mound. Over seven scoreless innings, he not only tied his personal best in strikeouts but also set new career benchmarks for wins (18), innings pitched (188 1/3), and total strikeouts (182) this season. With only 86 pitches thrown, he allowed a mere three hits and one walk, all while generating an impressive 28 swings-and-misses. His changeup proved particularly effective, inducing eight whiffs on just ten swings.
Fried’s Strategy Against the Orioles
Following the game, Fried reflected on his approach against the Orioles, which led to this remarkable outing. “I feel like I did toward the beginning of the year; just changing speeds, trying to get deep into games and trying to win games,” he noted. “Just sticking to my strengths; I’ve got a lot of pitches, I mix speeds a lot and I’m leaning into that. I trust in the defense behind me. They’re making some really nice plays and giving me the confidence that if I throw the ball over the plate, [the out is] going to get made.”
Insights from Orioles’ Interim Manager
Fried’s effectiveness against the Orioles, especially their right-handed hitters, did not go unnoticed. O’s interim manager, Tony Mansolino, highlighted a notable shift in Fried’s pitching strategy. Instead of placing his sinkers inside, Fried opted for a low and outside approach. “He painted,” Mansolino remarked. “I looked at a few of the pitches on the iPad, just trying to figure out what he was doing so differently. That catcher’s setting up on the black, and he’s hitting the glove most of the night. That is an ace right there, without a doubt.”
Fried’s Impressive Season Stats
Following Thursday’s start, Fried’s season statistics further illustrate his prowess on the mound. His earned run average dipped below 3.00, landing at 2.92, while his record improved to 18-5 across 31 starts. With 182 strikeouts and only 49 walks, Fried has solidified himself as a formidable adversary for any hitter.
Fried’s performance not only exemplifies his skill but also reinforces the Yankees’ commitment to investing in top-tier talent. As the season progresses, he appears to be hitting his stride at precisely the right moment, positioning himself and the Yankees for a deep postseason run.
