In a concerning turn for the New York Yankees, ace left-hander Max Fried was forced to exit Wednesday's start against the Baltimore Orioles after just three innings due to what the team is calling "left elbow posterior soreness."

The 32-year-old southpaw, who signed a massive eight-year, $218 million deal with the Yankees last winter, appeared to be in discomfort during the early frames before being pulled from the game. For a pitcher of Fried's caliber—a two-time All-Star and World Series champion—any elbow issue naturally raises alarms, especially given his history of forearm and elbow troubles earlier in his career.

The Yankees announced that Fried will be examined by the team physician and undergo imaging in New York on Thursday to determine the severity of the injury. The timing couldn't be more critical, as the Yankees are locked in a tight AL East race with the Orioles, and Fried has been a stabilizing force atop their rotation with a 3.18 ERA over his first 10 starts this season.

For now, Yankee fans and fantasy owners alike will be holding their breath, hoping the news is nothing more than a minor precautionary move. After all, protecting an ace's arm is always the priority in May, especially with October aspirations on the line.