Yankees news: Max Fried, pickoff master
Pickoffs, Fried v. Pettitte; Doval’s struggles; Notes on Cole; MLB Draft; Judge and Rice
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 27: New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried attempts a pitch during the game between the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers on April 27, 2026 at Globe Life Field in Arlington,Texas. (Photo by Steve Nurenberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images MLB. com | Bryan Hoch : Andy Pettitte, you’ve got company; Max Fried is making a case for himself as the Yankees pitcher with the best pickoff move.
Fried’s skills were on display when he picked off Josh Jung in the fourth inning of Monday’s 4-2 win against the Rangers with a delayed motion (video in article). Pettitte, who was present in the Yankees’ clubhouse and coaches’ room during their series in Arlington, praised Fried’s pickoff move effusively, claiming that Fried’s is better than his was. Whether or not you agree with his appraisal, this is one to read if you’re a fan of pickoffs.
SI. com | Joseph Randazzo : Camilo Doval has struggled thus far in his second year with the Yankees. Particularly worrying is his case of acute gopheritis; his 2026 HR/9 of 2.
61 is more than triple his career rate. Randazzo notes that Doval’s lackluster performance has resulted in a marked decrease in his usage, and has put added pressure on the rest of the bullpen. The Athletic | Keith Law : ($) Keith Law took a trip to see the Yankees’ Double-A Somerset squad’s doubleheader with the Portland Sea Dogs, and he’s provided notes on Gerrit Cole’s rehab start as well as former top prospect Marco Luciano.