In a concerning turn of events for the New York Yankees, starting pitcher Max Fried was forced to exit Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles after just three innings due to an apparent injury.

The left-hander, who signed a massive contract with the Yankees in the offseason, never looked comfortable on the mound from the get-go. After completing the third inning, Fried was spotted heading down the tunnel accompanied by trainers and members of the coaching staff—a sight that immediately raised red flags for Yankees fans.

Fried's command was noticeably off throughout his abbreviated outing. He consistently missed high on the arm side and was seen glancing down at his landing spot on the mound multiple times, suggesting possible discomfort with his footing or mechanics. In total, he threw 61 pitches, surrendering three earned runs on five hits while striking out two and walking one.

For a pitcher of Fried's caliber—a two-time All-Star and former World Series champion with the Atlanta Braves—this performance was far from what the Yankees expected when they made him a cornerstone of their rotation. His early exit will undoubtedly raise questions about his health and availability moving forward, especially as the Yankees continue to battle for positioning in the competitive AL East.

Paul Blackburn took over for Fried to begin the fourth inning, tasked with keeping the Orioles' offense in check as the Yankees' bullpen looks to absorb the extra workload.

Stay tuned for updates on Fried's condition, as this is a developing story that could have significant implications for New York's pitching plans in the weeks ahead.