The Yankees signed Fried to a massive contract for moments like this, but Toronto’s quick onslaught against him in the fourth inning reframed expectations and raised questions about allocation of resources in a playoff race.

Fried’s rough start against Toronto’s lineup set up the Jays for early momentum, highlighting the Yankees’ challenge in navigating the Blue Jays’ offensive pressure and the series’ quick turnaround.

Fried credited Toronto for making it tough on NY pitching, acknowledging the Jays’ disciplined at-bats and contact skills that have challenged New York all series.

Fried, the Yankees’ presumed ace, was touched by Ernie Clement’s two-run shot, highlighting Toronto’s early-hit assault. Fried’s night underscored the difficulty in containing the Jays’ lineup and foreshadowed a critical rest-of-series dynamic for New York’s rotation.

Fried was chased early by Toronto’s offense, exiting after three innings, as the Jays jumped out to a big early lead.