Yankees Pitching Heartened by Fried, Schmidt Progress

With the Yankees starting a three-game opener against the Houston Astros, New York received early pitching updates: Max Fried threw simulated innings Monday and Clarke Schmidt followed with live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Fried, dealing with an elbow bone bruise, threw four simulated innings totaling 60 pitches versus live hitters and is in line for activation Saturday for a day-night doubleheader at home against the Red Sox, according to the report. Schmidt, rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and managing a forearm cramp, threw a 20-pitch live BP session at Yankee Stadium and was described as on track for a minor league rehab assignment by this weekend.

Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake said Schmidt looked sharp, pointing to good curveballs and a live fastball during the session.

"The competition was a little weak,'' Blake said with a smile, noting that two Yankees coaches, including Brad Ausmus, were in the batter's box. "But overall the stuff looked sharp.'' Manager Aaron Boone suggested that rookie Elmer Rodriguez is likely to be recalled from Triple-A to start Wednesday night's game against the Astros, setting up another option as New York adjusts its lineup.

Judge, who is out with a fractured first right rib, began taking overhand indoor batting practice, moving beyond last week's tee and toss swings, while still lacking a public return timeline expected at some point in September, the report said. On Tuesday night, Will Warren is set to oppose Houston right-hander Ethan Pecko.

In the scoreless top of the first, George Lombard Jr. recorded his fourth error in four games and Jazz Chisholm Jr. also had a difficult inning defensively, according to the report. "It was generously scored a hit, and Lombard received a throwing error (allowing Alvarez to advance to third base) by rushing a throw to first, after Jazz couldn't make a play." The Yankees managed one hit and stranded a runner in their half of the first, leaving the game scoreless at the end of the opening frame.