The New York Yankees undoubtedly need to win in Game 3 of their American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. New York trails the series, 2-0. Yankees pitcher Max Fried is expected to start Game 3, even though he has a baby on the way soon.
“I've got a really supportive family that that understands that this is my job, and it's not going to affect what happens tomorrow,” Fried said, per MLB.com.
The Yankees have their backs against the wall. New York committed a flurry of errors in Game 2, leading to a loss. In Game 1, New York mustered just one hit against Tampa.
The Yankees have to find a way to win without star slugger Aaron Judge. Judge has been injured and missed the entire Major League Baseball Playoffs.
New York now turns to Fried to be the hero….at least for one day.
“He can do anything that he wants, honestly, on the mound,” Yankees catcher Austin Wells said, per MLB.com. “He’s got so many pitches, so much ability to get outs for us. He’s going to go out there and do what he does and give us a great chance to win the ballgame.”
Fried started for the Yankees in their playoff win earlier this postseason over the Boston Red Sox. He's ready to take the mound again in the ALDS.
Article Continues Below“Anytime you take the mound in a playoff game,” Fried said recently, “it's extremely intense.”
In that win over the Red Sox in the Wild Card series, Fried struck out six batters over six innings. He allowed three hits and one earned run.
New York and Tampa Bay play Game 3 on Wednesday in the Bronx. Tampa Bay won the AL East during the regular season, while the Yankees finished in second place.