While it wasn't Max Fried's official debut in a New York Yankees jersey, it did not make a big show on Monday night when George F. During George M. Steinbrenner Field's long trek from the right Buffalo Barn to the Pitcher's Hill, the left-hand pitcher admits to feeling an "adrenaline rush." In the Yankees' 12-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates' Grapefruit League, Fried made his first hands-on pitch in spring training.
"It's great to wear spikes and feel the atmosphere of a real game, especially when there are runners on base and support behind me," Fried said after exiting, "After a lot of live BP, I gradually got back to playing and was able to finish my pitches healthy and achieve all the expected goals." "
Fried pressed perfectly in the first game, including a three-shot strike against Oneil Cruz with a pinpoint strike. In the second game, he was knocked out of the hit and touched to be protected, but he still managed to keep it out. With two runners left in the third inning, backup pitcher Ryan Anderson was hit by Joey Bart's three-pointers, two of which went to Fried's account. In a total of 2.1 innings pitched, Fried hit two hits, one abduction, two strikeouts and 31 good shots out of 49.
"He's got a very good ball quality, and the speedball reaches 97 miles (about 156 kilometers) and it shines on me," Yankees head coach Aaron Boone commented. This is a very important step for him. "
Fried said he wanted to increase his ball count to 80-90 before the opening game, but the most memorable moment of the game came after pitching. In the ensuing rounds, he sat down with seven-time Cy Young Awards winner Roger Clemens at the top of the breakout area. Clemens enthusiastically analysed Fried's performance and gave tips on how to adjust to the game, such as how to focus quickly on the next ball after a missed shot.
"It's so cool to sit next to a seven-time Celeron winner and absorb wisdom," Fried said, "and you just have to listen to what he says." He was able to observe the game and give feedback, especially about the overall understanding of pitching, which was a very special experience. "