The New York Yankees are grappling with an early blow to their pitching staff.
Luis Gil, the reigning American League Rookie of the Year, has been diagnosed with a high-grade right lat strain.
Yankees’ rotation depth put to the test
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Monday that Gil will be sidelined for at least six weeks, with the possibility of missing much more time.
Gil, who was a key contributor to the Yankees’ rotation last season, was hurt during a bullpen session on Friday, where tightness around his shoulder forced him to cut the workout short.
An MRI the following day revealed the full extent of the injury, and the 26-year-old will now focus on a recovery plan that will keep him from throwing for the foreseeable future.
“It’s a real thing,”Boone said.
“We’re hoping Gil will return this season, but it all depends on how he progresses and how his body responds once he starts throwing again.”
The timing of Gil’s injury is particularly unfortunate for the Yankees, as he was coming off a breakthrough 2024 campaign, where he posted a 15-7 record and a 3.50 ERA in 29 starts.
His performance earned him AL Rookie of the Year honors, and the team was counting on his continued development in the rotation.
However, after his breakout year, Gil’s workload is now in question, especially after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022 and 2023.
While the Yankees are left to assess their rotation depth, Boone emphasized the importance of the team’s broader pitching options.
Marcus Stroman is likely to step into a starting role, joining Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodón.
Clarke Schmidt and other depth options like Carlos Carrasco and Will Warren are also available, although Boone acknowledged the unpredictable nature of injuries during the season.
For now, Gil’s absence shines a light on the Yankees’ pitching depth, with a mix of experienced arms and promising young talent filling in the gaps.
Still, the team’s hopes rest on how Gil’s recovery unfolds, and whether he can return to his former self later in the year.
“It’s tough to take,”Gil shared.
“After everything I’ve been through, I was eager to keep competing. But now, I have to focus on getting healthy and coming back stronger.”
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