The New York Yankees’ Already Injury-Plagued Rotation Suffers Another Setback
The New York Yankees face another significant obstacle on their journey through a challenging season, as promising rookie right-hander Luis Gil has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain. A development that emerged during Tuesday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians has now left the Yankees scrambling to adjust their rotation once again.
During the confrontation with the Guardians, Gil was forced to leave the mound prematurely, pitching just three innings before signaling for the trainer. Initial reports from Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Gil described the discomfort as tightness. However, subsequent evaluations confirmed it to be a strain. The 26-year-old pitcher exited in the fourth inning after conceding three runs on three hits and issuing six walks, having thrown a total of 78 pitches.
“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 explained about his decision to leave the game. He further expressed his concern, stating, “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.”
The setback comes at a particularly tough time for the Yankees, who are already grappling with injuries to three of their starting pitchers. Gil had been a significant player this season, sporting a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts. His contribution has been indispensable, particularly after stepping into the rotation slot following an injury to ace Gerrit Cole, who experienced a nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Even upon Cole's return in June, Gil retained his spot in the rotation, underscoring his importance to the team.
Compounding their challenges, the Yankees decided against cementing a trade deal with the Detroit Tigers for Jack Flaherty, citing medical concerns. Consequently, the team has now called up Warren to fill Gil's roster spot. Additionally, the team awaits reinforcements with Poteet beginning a minor-league rehab assignment and Schmidt expected to start his own minor-league rehab in the coming days.
The timing of Gil's injury couldn't be more critical. The Yankees, with a 73-53 record entering Wednesday's play, are in a fierce competition in the AL East, trailing just half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles. Gil’s stint on the injured list underscores the Yankees' broader struggle with an injury-laden roster, a situation that will require a collective team effort to navigate successfully.
Gil's 2021 season had already marked a high point with 108 2/3 innings pitched, and his current season had seen him surpass this with a career-high 124 2/3 innings. Unfortunately, his journey hasn't been without setbacks, as he missed most of 2022 and 2023 due to Tommy John surgery. Despite these challenges, his return marked a significant boost for the Yankees, making his current absence even more impactful.
The Yankees have shown resilience amid adversity, yet the loss of Gil will undeniably be felt across the team. As they push towards the postseason, maintaining focus and finding strategic ways to compensate for this loss will be critical. The road ahead remains steep, but with calculated moves and the fostering of emerging talent, the team aims to navigate this tumultuous period successfully.