Max Fried Tosses Another Gem, Extends Historic Start to New York Yankees Career

New York Yankees ace Max Fried tossed 7.0 scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, lifting his team to victory in historic fashion.

Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried (54) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees went all in on Max Fried this past winter, signing the 31-year-old left-hander to a $218 million contract.

Regardless of how much of a gamble that move was, it was certainly paid off thus far.

Fried tossed 7.0 scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night, allowing just one hit and two walks to go along with his six strikeouts. The Yankees' 3-0 victory moved Fried to 6-0 through his first seven starts with the club.

The southpaw boasts a 1.01 ERA and 0.940 WHIP on the season, having given up five earned runs in a Yankees uniform.

According to OptaSTATS, Fried is now one of two left-handed pitchers to record at least six wins while allowing five or fewer earned runs over their first seven starts with a team, since earned runs became an official stat in both leagues in 1913. Fernando Valenzuela did so with the Los Angeles Dodgers en route to winning NL Rookie of the Year, NL Cy Young and a World Series ring in 1981.

Max Fried in 7 starts with the @Yankees:

6 wins
5 ER allowed

Since earned runs became official in both leagues in 1913, the only other MLB lefty to have more wins than earned runs allowed over his first 7 starts with a team was Fernando Valenzuela with the Dodgers in 1981. pic.twitter.com/ihBvWOOAsd

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) May 3, 2025

The former Atlanta Braves ace is unlikely to pitch again until the Yankees face the San Diego Padres next Wednesday. In the meantime, New York will host Tampa Bay again on Saturday and Sunday, looking to extend their lead atop the AL East.

Related MLB Stories

• CASAS GOES DOWN: Triston Casas was involved in a scary play at first base Friday night, leaving the Red Sox's game against the Twins with an apparent leg injury. CLICK HERE

• JUNG HOO BREAKOUT: Jung Hoo Lee has been mashing with the Giants so far in 2025, with one anonymous executive labeling the Korean outfielder as an early MVP candidate. CLICK HERE

• WONG MAKES RETURN: Connor Wong is returning to the Boston Red Sox's lineup three weeks after fracturing his left pinky finger, bumping Blake Sabol off the active roster. CLICK HERE

Follow Fastball On SI on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also follow Sam Connon on Twitter @SamConnon.