For most of the 2026 season so far, the New York Yankees' starting pitching staff has been reliable and effective. But now, that rotation could suffer a massive blow following the latest outing from left-handed pitcher Max Fried. Fried left his start against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday after just three innings due to "left elbow posterior soreness," according to Yankees clubhouse reporter Meredith Marakovits . The 32-year-old gave up three runs on five hits and one walk, striking out two in 61 pitches. After the third inning, the Yankees immediately had long reliever Paul Blackburn start warming up in the bullpen as the southpaw seemingly went straight from the mound to the clubhouse. The veteran lefty dealt with a blister on his pitching hand last season, so many fans initially wondered if he might be facing something similar this year. But now, the Yankees could have much bigger concerns on their hands if an elbow injury is a possibility for Fried.…