The New York Yankees grapple with another setback as they place promising rookie right-hander Luis Gil on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain. This unfortunate development unfolded during Tuesday's clash against the Cleveland Guardians, in which Gil was pulled after pitching merely three innings.
Yankees Manager Aaron Boone disclosed that Gil had initially described the discomfort as tightness, but subsequent examinations confirmed the strain. Concern arose when Gil called the trainer to the mound after a pitch in the fourth inning, forcing an early exit.
Gil's struggle on the mound was evident; the 26-year-old surrendered three runs on three hits and issued six walks, making a total of 78 pitches. Despite the rocky outing, Gil has shown immense potential this season, maintaining a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts.
"I tried to work through it, but you don't want to force the issue and make it worse," admitted Gil. "I saw the doctor here and he told me to take it day-by-day."
Gil's journey to the Yankees' rotation was prompted by ace Gerrit Cole's nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Upon Cole’s return in June, Gil had solidified his spot, becoming a crucial component of the Yankees' pitching staff. However, with Gil now sidelined, the Yankees’ pitching woes deepen as they have three starting pitchers on the injured list.
Yankees’ Roster Moves
In response to Gil's injury, the Yankees have called up Warren to fill the vacant roster spot. Furthermore, Poteet has commenced a minor-league rehab assignment, while Schmidt is anticipated to start his rehabilitation in the minor leagues in the coming days. This cascade of injuries has indeed put the Yankees on a critical edge.
A Promising Yet Challenging Season
As the Yankees navigate through an injury-laden period, Gil's contributions to the team this season are definitely notable. Logging a career-high 124 2/3 innings this season, surpassing his previous record of 108 2/3 innings set in 2021, Gil had become a reliable arm in the rotation. It's important to note that Gil missed most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery, making his resurgence this season even more commendable.
As of Wednesday, the Yankees hold a 73-53 record, trailing by half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. The team’s ability to maintain their performance in such a competitive division, especially given the injury setbacks, underscores their resilience. However, they cautiously back away from a trade deal for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers at the July 30 trade deadline due to concerns over medical evaluations.
“I've never felt anything like that,” Gil remarked, reflecting on his injury. “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.” His sentiments echo the uncertainty hanging over the team's pitching depth.
Looking Ahead
For the Yankees, the focus will now be on how they can hold their ground and compensate for the absence of such a key player as they push towards the postseason. The team’s resolve and depth will be tested in the coming weeks. Gil's eventual return may still influence the team's trajectory, but for now, the Yankees must navigate this turbulent period with precision and determination.
Amidst these challenges, the Yankees have shown an ability to adapt and persevere. While the loss of Gil is a significant blow, the team's overarching goal of postseason success remains firmly in sight, driven by the collective effort of the roster and strategic managing. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the Yankees' fate as they aim to stay competitive in the AL East race.