Fried is about to rejoin the Yankees' starting rotation, confirmed to start the second game of the doubleheader against the Pirates.

The Yankees are welcoming back a crucial component of their rotation earlier than anticipated. The club officially stated that Max Fried is scheduled to start the nightcap of Thursday's twin bill at home against the Pirates, while Gerrit Cole will be the starter for the opener.

Fried was originally scheduled for one more rehab start before returning to the team during next week's road series against the Chicago White Sox, but the Yankees have moved up his comeback timeline.

Since being sidelined on May 14 with a bone bruise on his pitching elbow, Fried made his first rehab start last Saturday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In that outing, he pitched three innings, allowing five hits and two runs while throwing 52 pitches (32 strikes) with three strikeouts and no walks.

The 32-year-old left-hander had a solid start to his second season in pinstripes before landing on the injured list. At the time, he had a 3.21 ERA, a 4-3 record, and opponents were batting just .199 against him. Additionally, except for his final start which ended early due to injury, Fried had pitched at least five innings in every start this season.

The Yankees are currently dealing with the absence of key players like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Carlos Rodón, so Fried's return is a huge boost. Since Judge's last game on May 31, the Yankees have gone just 21-21, barely holding on. They are set to begin a grueling 10-game road trip on Saturday against the Phillies, White Sox, and Cubs.