Yankees' Max Fried won't let impending fatherhood derail his game plans as team faces elimination

The New York Yankees were eliminated from the 2026 American League Division Series after a 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3. Max Fried started the elimination game despite personal news that he and his family are expecting a baby any day. Fried pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing four runs, including two home runs. The Yankees offense struggled throughout the series, hitting for a low average, which placed significant pressure on the starting rotation. While the team chose to start Fried over Carlos Rodón, the decision resulted in Rodón not appearing in the postseason series as the Yankees were swept 3-0.

The New York Yankees were eliminated from the 2026 American League Division Series after a 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3. Max Fried started the elimination game despite personal news that he and his family are expecting a baby any day. Fried pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing four runs, including two home runs. The Yankees offense struggled throughout the series, hitting for a low average, which placed significant pressure on the starting rotation. While the team chose to start Fried over Carlos Rodón, the decision resulted in Rodón not appearing in the postseason series as the Yankees were swept 3-0.