Yankees' Max Fried explains key pitching strategy in 13-K gem

It seems the New York Yankees were right to make Max Fried the highest-earning southpaw in the majors. Fried is in the right space for the final regular season stretch and the potential postseason that follows.

Fried matched his career high of 13 strikeouts in Thursday's 7-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles in Camden Yards. The lefty pitched seven scoreless innings to set career highs in wins (18), innings (188 1/3) and strikeouts (182) this season. In 86 pitches thrown, he allowed just three hits and one walk. Moreover, he generated a season-high 28 swings-and-misses. Fried's best pitch was his changeup, on which he produced eight whiffs on 10 swings.

After the game, Fried spoke about the strategy he employed for the game against the Orioles, resulting in a career-high night.

“I feel like I did toward the beginning of the year; just changing speeds, trying to get deep into games and trying to win games," Fried said. "Just sticking to my strengths; I’ve got a lot of pitches, I mix speeds a lot and I’m leaning into that. I trust in the defense behind me. They’re making some really nice plays and giving me the confidence that if I throw the ball over the plate, [the out is] going to get made.”

O's interim manager points out key Max Fried's pitching approach 

Max Fried had a special way of dealing with the Orioles' right-handed hitters. According to O's interim manager, Tony Mansolino, Fried changed the spot where he generally throws his sinkers. Instead of going inside, he was noted to throw them more often low and outside.

“He painted,” Mansolino said. “I looked at a few of the pitches on the iPad, just trying to figure out what he was doing so differently. That catcher’s setting up on the black, and he’s hitting the glove most of the night. That is an ace right there, without a doubt.”

Fried improved his season numbers after Thursday's start. His ERA number went below 3.00 (2.92), while going 18-5 in 31 starts. The left-hander has managed 182 strikeouts against just 49 walks, making him a fearsome pitcher to face at the plate.