The New York Yankees have encountered yet another hurdle in their tumultuous season as they place promising rookie right-hander Luis Gil on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain.
During Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, Gil was forced to exit after completing just three innings. Manager Aaron Boone disclosed that Gil had initially reported experiencing tightness, but further medical evaluation revealed the strain.
"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 shared. Reflecting on his early exit, 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, who called the trainer to the mound after a pitch in the fourth inning, allowed three runs on three hits and issued six walks over his 78-pitch outing. Despite the rough day on the mound, his season statistics have been commendable, boasting a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts.
Gil’s Ascension and Injuries
Gil, 26, earned his place in the Yankees' starting 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’s performance secured him a continued spot in the rotation. His season has been marked by resilience, particularly after missing most of 2022 and 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.
With the loss of Gil, the Yankees now have three starting pitchers on the injured list, creating an increasingly precarious situation for the team as they navigate the latter part of the season. This injury-laden period places significant pressure on the Yankees' pitching staff.
Roster Moves Amidst Turmoil
The Yankees have called up Warren to fill Gil's roster spot, while Poteet has initiated a minor-league rehab assignment, and Schmidt is expected to start his own rehab in the coming days. These moves aim to bolster a rotation that has been significantly impacted by injuries.
Prior to Gil’s injury, the Yankees had stepped back from a trade deal for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers at the July 30 trade deadline due to concerns over his medicals. This decision now looms large as the need for pitching depth becomes more acute.
A Season of Struggles and Triumphs
Despite the setbacks, the Yankees have managed to maintain a 73-53 record, standing half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East entering Wednesday's play. Gil’s contributions have been integral to the team’s success, particularly as he logged a career-high 124 2/3 innings this season, surpassing his previous mark of 108 2/3 innings set in 2021. His absence will undeniably be felt as the Yankees push towards the postseason.
The road ahead for the Yankees is fraught with challenges, but their resilience and ability to adapt will be crucial. Gil's injury serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and demands of the sport. The team’s capability to overcome these obstacles will define their season.