BALTIMORE — The New York Yankees moved quickly on Friday to address the pitching uncertainty created by Max Fried's abbreviated start against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night, officially placing the left-hander on the 15-day injured list and recalling right-hander Clarke Schmidt from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to bolster the rotation.

Fried was pulled after just three innings at Camden Yards on Wednesday, having thrown 67 pitches while experiencing what the team described as left forearm tightness. The move comes at a difficult moment for the Yankees, who have relied heavily on Fried as a frontline starter since his high-profile arrival ahead of the 2025 season.

Schmidt, who posted a 3.41 ERA across five starts at Triple-A this spring, is expected to slot into the rotation on an emergency basis as the Yankees and Orioles continue their series at Camden Yards on Friday evening. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the roster move before the afternoon workout, telling reporters that the team wants to be cautious with Fried and will have him evaluated by specialists in New York over the weekend.

The development adds another layer of intrigue to an already competitive AL East race, with the Yankees, Orioles, and Boston Red Sox separated by fewer than four games entering the weekend. Baltimore, eager to capitalise on any vulnerability in New York's pitching staff, is expected to start right-hander Corbin Burnes on Friday, giving the home side a significant advantage on the mound.

Yankee officials insisted there is no structural concern with Fried's arm at this stage, pointing to previous bouts of forearm tightness that resolved quickly. Still, with the rotation already stretched, the front office is monitoring trade and waiver options should Fried require an extended absence. Friday's game at Camden Yards is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.