The New York Yankees experienced another significant blow to their pitching lineup as rookie right-hander Luis Gil was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain. This setback occurred during Tuesday's matchup against the Cleveland Guardians, where Gil was pulled out after pitching only three innings.
Manager Aaron Boone explained that Gil initially described the issue as tightness, but upon further examination, the medical team confirmed it as a strain. The incident took a critical turn when Gil called the trainer to the mound following a pitch in the fourth inning, necessitating his early departure from the game. Despite his brief appearance, Gil allowed three runs on three hits and issued six walks, throwing a total of 78 pitches.
At 26, Gil has shown promising potential this season, boasting a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts. His performance earned him a spot in the Yankees' rotation after ace Gerrit Cole was sidelined with a nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Even upon Cole's return in June, Gil remained a critical component of the rotation.
Unfortunately, the Yankees are currently grappling with multiple injuries affecting their starting pitchers, with three now on the injured list. Gil's absence is particularly challenging given his integral contributions this season. “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 he told me to take it day-by-day,” Gil mentioned, highlighting his concern over the injury. 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.”
In response to Gil's placement on the injured list, the Yankees have called up Warren to fill his roster spot. Adding to the optimism, Poteet has already started his minor-league rehab assignment, and Schmidt is expected to initiate his rehab in the coming days. These moves are critical as the Yankees navigate this injury-laden period, aiming to maintain their competitive edge.
The Yankees have opted to avoid a trade for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers at the July 30 trade deadline, largely due to concerns over his medical evaluations. This decision highlights the organization's cautious approach in managing their roster amidst the ongoing injury challenges.
Entering play on Wednesday, the Yankees hold a 73-53 record, positioning them just half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. As the team continues to push towards the postseason, the depth and resilience of their roster will be tested. Gil's contribution over 124 2/3 innings, surpassing his previous career-high of 108 2/3 innings set in 2021, underscores his pivotal role this year. Notably, he missed most of 2022 and 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery, making his return and performance even more remarkable.
The Yankees must now find ways to compensate for Gil's loss, ensuring they stay focused during this critical stretch of the season. The ability of their replacement pitchers and the swift recovery of their injured stars will be pivotal as they strive to maintain their momentum and secure a place in the playoffs.