The New York Yankees just got dealt a tough blow right before one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Starting pitcher Max Fried has been placed on the 15-day injured list after imaging on Thursday revealed a bone bruise in his left elbow, the team announced Friday.

The lefty underwent an MRI and CT scan that uncovered the injury, and the timeline for his return is still up in the air. The Yankees have stated that Fried will undergo additional scans "in a few weeks (or when asymptomatic)" before a clearer rehabilitation plan can be set. In the meantime, renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache—who has operated on numerous high-profile athletes—will review Fried's scans for a second opinion.

Fried's last outing came Wednesday in a tough 7-0 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, where he allowed five hits and three runs over just three innings before being pulled. Despite that rough start, the left-hander has been solid this season, posting a 3.21 ERA across 10 starts. Losing him is a significant setback for a Yankees rotation that has leaned heavily on its depth.

The timing couldn't be more dramatic. The announcement came just hours before the first pitch of the Subway Series, with the Yankees traveling to Queens to face their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets. Ace Cam Schlitter is slated to take the mound for the Bombers in Friday's series opener.

As of now, the Yankees have not announced a corresponding roster move to replace Fried. That decision will likely come once the full extent of the injury is known. For Yankees fans, it's a waiting game—and one that could shape the team's fortunes as they head into a crucial stretch of the season.