Not only has it been offensive injuries that have caused the New York Yankees to go into a funk, but injuries to the starting rotation as well.

One member of the staff is nearing a return and will make a necessary step in the return to the major league mound.

Max Fried will make a rehab assignment start on Friday

According to Yankees beat writer Greg Joyce, Fried is expected to make a rehab start at Triple-A Scranton on Friday. Fried has been on the injured list since mid-May with a left elbow injury.

Fried has recently begun a throwing program and just as recently as July 5th, he threw a 35-pitch bullpen.

Max Fried had been solid this year

Prior to hitting the injured list, Fried had been putting together another solid season. Through 10 starts, Fried was 4-3 with a 3.21 ERA and 50 strikeouts across 61 2/3 innings pitched.

Fried has gone 6-plus shutout innings in four of his 10 starts this season but has also allowed 3-plus runs in the other six starts. His best start of the season so far came on April 22, when he went eight shutout innings against the Boston Red Sox.

The Yankees desperately need to get healthy

New York is still awaiting the returns of both Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton to the lineup, as well as Fried and Carlos Rodon to the starting rotation.

At full strength, the Yankees seem to be the best team in the American League. The question is, though, can they get to and remain at full strength when October rolls around?