The Yankees’ infield depth is about to take another hit, but the rotation is finally getting a boost. New York has officially placed infielder Ryan McMahon on the 10-day injured list, while left-hander Max Fried continues to trend toward a return that could reshape the starting staff. Here’s the latest out of the Bronx.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With the AL East race tighter than a subway platform at rush hour, the Bombers are now forced to patch together the hot corner while simultaneously counting down the days until their big offseason acquisition reclaims his spot atop the rotation. The Yankees Place Ryan McMahon On 10-Day IL As Max Fried Gets Closer To Return - and both storylines will define the next two weeks in the Bronx.
The McMahon Blow: What This Means For The Infield
It’s been a rough stretch for the Yankees’ lineup, and losing McMahon - who was acquired to add a steady left-handed bat and slick glove at the hot corner - stings more than most. The injury was described as a left oblique strain, sustained during a swing in batting practice earlier this week. Oblique issues are notoriously tricky, and the team is expected to be cautious with his recovery, meaning this stint could stretch beyond the minimum 10 days.
This is a brutal gut punch for a guy who was just starting to find his rhythm in pinstripes. McMahon had been red-hot over the last two weeks, slashing .310/.368/.520 with three homers and eight RBI in that span. His left-handed power was the perfect complement to Aaron Judge and Juan Soto in the middle of the order, and now the Yankees have to get creative.
Who steps up at third base?
- Oswaldo Cabrera gets the first crack at everyday duties. He’s been serviceable in a utility role and provides switch-hitting flexibility.
- DJ LeMahieu could see time at third when he’s not at first, but his own nagging foot issues limit his range.
- Don’t be surprised if the Yankees shuffle the alignment, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. sliding over on certain days to maximize offensive output.
McMahon’s absence leaves a noticeable void against right-handed pitching, where his .275 average with 14 homers and elite exit velocities had made him a key middle-of-the-order piece. The depth chart is now thinner, and the front office may need to scour the waiver wire or make a quick trade before the roster deadline. For now, the Yankees are banking on versatility over a direct replacement.
📊 .275 avg vs RHP with 14 homers - McMahon's production against righties was elite, and that's exactly what the Yankees lose for at least the next 10 days.
| Player | Position(s) | 2026 AVG vs RHP | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oswaldo Cabrera | 3B/2B/OF | .248 | Everyday starter |
| DJ LeMahieu | 1B/3B | .231 | Platoon vs LHP |
| Jazz Chisholm Jr. | 2B/3B/OF | .279 | Late-game shuffle |
The Fried Factor: Progress, But Patience
While the infield is scrambling, the starting rotation is on the verge of a major upgrade. Max Fried threw a 45-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday, and the reports from the coaching staff were overwhelmingly positive. Fried is recovering from a mild forearm strain that landed him on the IL three weeks ago, and he’s been building up arm strength with no reported setbacks.
The lefty looked sharp in his session, reportedly hitting 94 mph on the radar gun with his fastball while maintaining the devastating curveball that makes him a legitimate ace. The Yankees have been cautious with Fried all season, and that patience is about to pay off.
The plan is as follows:
- Next step: A live batting practice session scheduled for Friday.
- Target return: A home start against the Mariners early next week, assuming no soreness develops.
- Pitch limit: The team is projecting 75-80 pitches in his first outing back, ramping up from there.
Fried’s return can’t come soon enough. The Yankees’ rotation has been overworked, with the bullpen covering multiple innings in recent games. His presence immediately stabilizes the top three, allowing the team to shift Gerrit Cole into a more favorable matchup spot and slide a struggling arm like Clarke Schmidt into a lower-pressure role. The lefty’s 3.12 ERA and 1.08 WHIP before the injury were arguably his best numbers since joining the club, and the coaching staff believes he can pick up right where he left off.
