NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees salutes the fans in the first inning against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 2026 in The Bronx borough of New York City. The New York Yankees and the New York Mets are wearing hats to honor first responders on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on New York during the game. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) Getty
New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried is supposed to start a must-win Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.
The pinstripes trail 2-0 in the best-of-five American League Division Series. A loss would end the Yankees' season. The 2017 Yankees were the last team to rally from 0-2 in a best-of-five series.
Gerrit Cole allowed one run in five innings in Game 1. The Rays chased Cam Schlittler in the fifth inning of Game 2. The Yankees committed four errors, three of them in the first inning.
New York has scored two runs in the series. But New York needs to work around a problem relating to Fried first.
Fried's girlfriend, Reni Meyer-Whalley, is expecting the couple's first child. Fox Sports reported that she is due to give birth sometime this week.
Now that is very good news for the couple but complicates the Yankees' pitching plans.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed after Monday's loss that Fried is expected to start Game 3. Jon Heyman of the New York Post pointed out that the timing could put Fried's availability in question.
If Fried cannot pitch, Carlos Rodon would start Game 3 in his place. Boone said Rodon is in line to start a potential Game 4 on Thursday . Fried was not available to speak after Game 2.
Meyer-Whalley first drew public attention at Fried's introductory news conference at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 18, 2024. She sat in the front row beside Fried's mother, Carrie. Boone and general manager Brian Cashman presented flowers to both women.
Fried signed an eight-year, $218 million contract with the Yankees that month. The couple has not disclosed when or how they met. Fried rarely discusses the relationship and largely keeps it off social media. Meyer-Whalley played Division I volleyball at USC and grew up in Los Angeles.
GettyAaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees.
Fried went 0-1 in two starts against the Rays this season. He allowed three runs in eight innings in a no-decision on April 11 at Tropicana Field. He took the loss Sept. 22 at Yankee Stadium, allowing four runs in 6 2/3 innings. Tampa Bay clinched the AL East in that game.
Rodon pitched eight scoreless innings against the Rays on Sept. 22 at Yankee Stadium. He allowed three hits, walked none and struck out eight in a 2-0 win. He reached his 100th career win and 1,500th career strikeout in that start.
Rodon has been available in relief in all four playoff games. He has not pitched since Sept. 22.
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