The New York Yankees have been dealt another blow as promising rookie right-hander Luis Gil has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain. This setback comes during a season where the Yankees are navigating through an injury-laden period.
Gil's injury occurred during Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. The 26-year-old was pulled out after pitching just three innings, having allowed three runs on three hits and issued six walks, amassing a total of 78 pitches. Initially describing the issue as tightness, further examination confirmed the strain.
Manager Aaron Boone revealed the details of the incident. "I tried to work through it, but you don't want to force the issue and make it worse. I saw the doctor here and told me to take it day-by-day," Gil said. Concerned yet pragmatic, he added, "I've never felt anything like that. I'm a little worried because you're coming out of the game because something's not right. But at the same time, you have to take it day by day and see how I feel tomorrow.”
Gil has been an essential part of the Yankees' rotation, earning his spot after ace Gerrit Cole went down with a nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Despite Cole's return in June, Gil remained a steadfast member of the rotation. Over the course of the season, Gil has recorded a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts, logging a career-high in innings pitched and surpassing his previous mark of 108 2/3 innings set in 2021.
An Impressive Season Interrupted
The strain marks another chapter in Gil's challenging journey, as he missed most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery. His resilience and contributions this season have been integral to the Yankees' pursuit of postseason success. Despite his early exit against the Guardians, Gil’s season stats reflect his capability and promise as a key player for the Yankees.
The Yankees' rotation now finds itself further depleted with Gil's absence. The team already has three starting pitchers on the injured list and recently backed away from a trade deal for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers, citing concerns over his medicals. This adds pressure on the team to find suitable replacements and maintain their competitive edge as they push toward the postseason.
Next Steps for the Yankees
To compensate for Gil's absence, the Yankees have called up Warren to take his roster spot. Simultaneously, Poteet has begun a minor-league rehab assignment, and Schmidt is expected to start his minor-league rehab in the coming days. These adjustments are essential for the Yankees to sustain their performance and address the gaps in their pitching rotation.
As of Wednesday's play, the Yankees hold a 73-53 record, just half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. The team's ability to navigate through these injuries and maintain focus will be crucial in their quest for postseason success. Gil’s contributions have been significant, and his absence will certainly be felt, highlighting the need for the team to stay resilient and adaptive in this injury-riddled period.
Injuries are an inevitable part of the sport, and the Yankees now face the challenge of bolstering their rotation in Gil's absence. The road ahead demands an all-hands-on-deck approach as the team strives to build on their impressive record.