Max Fried’s Dominance: How Yankees’ Tech and Data Unlock a New Level of Performance
Max fried is experiencing a career resurgence, boasting a major-league-leading 1.05 ERA in his first eight starts. This extraordinary stretch is attributed to the New York Yankees‘ data-driven approach and Fried’s willingness to embrace new ideas and incorporate technological insights into his pitching.
Yankees’ Coaching Staff Implements Data-Driven Approach
Yankees coach Matt Blake recognized Fried’s open-mindedness during free agency discussions. Fried welcomed numerous adjustments suggested by the Yankees,eager to leverage data and technology to refine his existing skills. Blake noted that Fried was interested in exploring data and tech to enhance his understanding of pitch movement and body mechanics.
Fried Embraces Technology, Elevates Performance
Fried, 31, throws seven different pitches and has improved almost all of them. The Yankees provide data to Fried, who integrated it with knowledge from his former club, the Atlanta Braves, to enhance his prowess. according to Blake, previously, the Braves had a customary pitching program, but Fried found himself eager to explore data and tech. Fried’s understanding of hitters and ability to adjust to lineups multiple times in a game has complemented the analytical insights provided by the Yankees.
Workload Management a Key Focus
With injuries impacting the Yankees’ pitching rotation, including Gerrit Cole, Marcus stroman, and Luis Gil, managing Fried’s workload remains a priority. Entering Thursday, Fried was tied for the most batters faced a third or fourth time through the lineup (64). The Yankees are carefully monitoring his innings and pitch counts, incorporating extra rest days and a tailored throwing program to keep him healthy throughout the season.
Pirates Dismiss Derek Shelton After Disappointing Start
The Pittsburgh Pirates have fired manager Derek Shelton. The team had hoped injured hitters and pitchers might contribute later in the season, signaling potential betterment but impatient ownership decided to make the change.
MLB Updates: Pirates’ Struggles, A’s Defense, and Murphy’s Return
May 13, 2025 -This MLB season presents a mix of challenges and comebacks as teams navigate injuries, defensive woes, and the pressure to perform. The Pittsburgh Pirates face scrutiny amidst a disappointing start, while the Oakland A’s strive to improve their defense. Meanwhile, Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy aims for a strong return after learning from past injury setbacks.
Pirates’ Woes Continue Amidst Injuries and Management Concerns
The Pittsburgh Pirates have relieved manager Derek Shelton of his duties after a rocky start to the 2025 season, posting a 12-26 record. General manager Ben Cherington acknowledged the team’s struggles but expressed optimism for improvement on both offense and defense.
Injuries have plagued the Pirates,impacting key players such as Jones,second baseman Nick Gonzales,shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa,catcher Endy Rodríguez,and first baseman Spencer Horwitz. However, their health issues are reportedly less severe than those of division rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds.
Criticism is mounting against Cherington, who is facing his sixth consecutive losing season. The team’s owner, Bob Nutting, has also come under fire. A former player stated Nutting is “pleasant being mediocre.” Nutting became the club’s principal owner in 2007. The largest free-agent contract in Pirates history remains a three-year, $39 million deal for Francisco Liriano in 2014.
Oakland A’s Focus on Defensive Improvements
The Oakland A’s hold a 20-18 record, despite a minus-24 run differential. To seriously contend, improvements in defense are crucial. as of Wednesday, the A’s ranked last in both defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Outs Above Average (OAA).
Several player adjustments have been made to bolster the team’s defense. Tyler Soderstrom shifted to left field, Nick Kurtz was promoted to first base, Jacob Wilson has improved at shortstop, and Luis Urias has stabilized second base. Though, concern remains regarding JJ Bleday’s performance in center field.
Braves’ Sean Murphy Seeks Strong Comeback
Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy is focused on a prosperous return after a left rib cage fracture sustained in spring training. The Braves are being cautious with Murphy’s recovery, mindful of a previous instance where he was brought back too soon from an oblique strain.
Last season, Murphy’s performance suffered after a hasty return, resulting in career lows in batting average (.193) and OPS (.636). This time,the Braves aim to ensure Murphy is fully recovered before he rejoins the lineup.
MLB Updates: Murphy’s Return, Diamondbacks’ Future, Mariners’ Move, and Royals’ Needs
Several MLB teams are making headlines with player performances, roster moves, and future plans. From Travis d’Arnaud’s surprising return to the Diamondbacks’ infield strategy, the Mariners’ acquisition, and the Royals’ continued search for offensive power, here’s a look at the latest developments around the league.
Braves’ Travis d’Arnaud Proves Doubters Wrong After swift Rehab
After an injury that prompted the atlanta Braves to exercise caution, catcher Travis d’Arnaud has returned to the lineup and is already making an impact. Despite a shortened rehab assignment of just three games, d’Arnaud convinced club officials that his broken bone had healed properly. In 22 games, he’s batting .225 with seven home runs and an .832 OPS, showcasing his power and proving his readiness to contribute.
Diamondbacks Plan to Feature Both Perdomo and Lawlar
The Arizona Diamondbacks are confident in their plan to feature both Geraldo Perdomo and top prospect Jordan Lawlar in their future. Despite signing perdomo to a four-year, $45 million extension, the Diamondbacks see lawlar, who will turn 23 on july 17, as a crucial part of their long-term success. Lawlar is currently playing second and third base at Triple-A, with center field also a potential option. General Manager Mike Hazen emphasized that Perdomo’s signing was not intended to block Lawlar, expressing his desire to see both players on the same team. With Perdomo, 25, considered one of the league’s best defensive shortstops and Ketel Marte under control through 2030, the Diamondbacks are strategizing how to best utilize Lawlar’s talent alongside their established stars, especially with Eugenio Suárez entering the final year of his contract.
mariners Claim Leody Taveras in Surprise Move
The Seattle Mariners, after a quiet offseason, made a surprising move by claiming outfielder Leody Taveras. Injuries to outfielders Victor Robles and Luke raley, along with Randy Arozarena playing through a hamstring issue, necessitated the acquisition.Taveras, 26, who is under club control for two more seasons, is expected to provide a boost to the outfield. It remains to be seen whether this move will impact the Mariners’ payroll adaptability at the trade deadline,but a team official suggested they will address those concerns as they arise.
Royals Seek Offensive Spark Amidst Hot Streak
Despite a strong 15-2 run that included series wins against the Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles, the Kansas City Royals are still in need of offensive reinforcements. Prior to a 10-0 victory against the White Sox, the Royals ranked 27th in runs per game, and their outfielders ranked 28th in OPS.The Royals did not pursue Taveras,deeming the financial commitment too important. Instead, they may look to promote outfielder John Rave from Triple-A, where he is batting .268 with six home runs and an .886 OPS.
MLB Standouts: Mariners’ Offensive Surge, A’s Draft Success, and Astros’ Left-Handed Hitting woes
The Seattle Mariners have engineered a significant offensive turnaround, while the Oakland A’s are seeing a resurgence in talent thanks to recent high draft picks, and the Houston Astros face a glaring imbalance in their lineup, desperately awaiting the return of a key left-handed bat.
Mariners’ Offense Ignites
After a slow start, the Seattle Mariners have transformed their offense, moving from near the bottom to the upper echelon of the league in key offensive categories. As of Wednesday, their walk rate ranked first, a stark contrast to their early-season performance where it was the 16th highest. The Mariners also boast a top-ten slugging percentage (ninth) and rank fourth in home runs.
Adding to their offensive prowess, only one opposing pitcher, the Houston Astros’ Hayden Wesneski on April 7, has managed to complete seven innings against them. Jorge Polanco, recently recovered from a side issue that limited his right-handed batting, has emerged as a potential MVP candidate. On a one-year,$7.75 million free-agent contract, Polanco’s current 1.103 OPS, if he qualifies for league leaders, would place him second only to Aaron Judge.
A’s Find Success in Recent Draft Picks
The Oakland A’s are experiencing a turnaround partly fueled by the success of their recent first-round draft selections. players like Kurtz (fourth 2024), Wilson (sixth, 2023), Muncy (25th, 2021), and Soderstrom (26th, 2020) are contributing to the team’s resurgence.
This success follows a period from 2017 to 2019 when the A’s failed to produce a major leaguer from their first-round picks, contrasting sharply with their productive run from 2011 to 2016, which yielded talents like Sonny Gray, Addison Russell, Matt Chapman, and AJ Puk.
Astros’ Lineup Longs for Alvarez’s Return
The Houston Astros are feeling the absence of Yordan alvarez, who is currently sidelined with a muscle strain in his right hand. The team’s lineup is predominantly right-handed, with the only exceptions being backup catchers victor Caratini, a switch-hitter, and César Salazar, the left-handed hitter filling in for Alvarez.
Here are two PAA (People Also Ask) related questions, suitable for inclusion under the provided title and Q&A section:
Max Fried’s Dominance: A Q&A on yankees’ Tech and Data
Here’s a breakdown of how the yankees are helping Max Fried find new heights in his career:
Q&A
Q: How is Max Fried doing so well?
A: Max Fried is experiencing a career resurgence, with a 1.05 ERA in his first eight starts. This is due to the Yankees’ data-driven approach and Fried’s willingness to embrace new ideas and tech.
Q: what’s the Yankees’ secret?
A: The Yankees are using data and technology to help Fried refine his pitching. This includes analyzing pitch movement and body mechanics. Fried throws seven different pitches and has improved almost all of them.
Q: Did Fried change his pitching style?
A: Yes. Fried integrated the Yankees’ data with his knowledge from the Atlanta Braves to enhance his prowess. He is also adjusting his pitching to the different lineups he faces in a game.
Q: What about workload management?
A: With injuries impacting the yankees’ pitching rotation,the team is carefully monitoring Fried’s innings and pitch counts,incorporating extra rest days and a tailored throwing program to keep him healthy.
Q: What’s happening with the Pittsburgh Pirates?
A: The Pirates fired their manager,Derek Shelton,after a rough start to the season. The team is also dealing with a lot of injuries.
Q: What’s the Oakland A’s strategy?
A: The Oakland A’s are focused on improving their defense and have made several player adjustments to bolster the team’s defense.
Q: what are the Braves doing with Sean Murphy?
A: The Braves are being cautious with Sean Murphy’s recovery from injury and are ensuring he is fully recovered before rejoining the lineup.
Q: What’s the Diamondbacks’ game plan?
A: The Diamondbacks plan to feature both Geraldo Perdomo and top prospect Jordan Lawlar in their future.
Q: What was the Mariners’ surprising move?
A: The Mariners acquired outfielder Leody Taveras.
Q: What are the Royals looking for?
A: The Royals are seeking offensive reinforcements.
Q: Why is the Astros’ lineup struggling?
A: The Astros are feeling the absence of Yordan Alvarez, as their lineup is predominantly right-handed.
the Yankees’ success with Max Fried highlights how data and technology can unlock a new level of performance for players. Keep an eye on how other teams adopt similar strategies!
