On Wednesday, the New York Yankees faced yet another hurdle in their tumultuous season, as promising rookie right-hander Luis Gil was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain. The injury occurred during Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, where Gil had to exit after pitching just three innings.
Manager Aaron Boone disclosed that while Gil initially described the issue as tightness, further examination confirmed it was a 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 told me to take it day-by-day,” Gil said, reflecting on his attempt to continue pitching despite the discomfort.
The unfortunate incident unfolded in the fourth inning when Gil called the trainer to the mound, signaling he could not continue. This abrupt departure saw him close his performance having allowed three runs on three hits, issuing six walks over a total of 78 pitches.
Gil’s contributions this season have been significant, maintaining a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts. His effort positioned him as a crucial part of the Yankees' rotation, especially after ace Gerrit Cole went down with an elbow nerve issue during spring training. Even after Cole’s return in June, Gil remained a staple in the rotation.
Rotation Woes Deepen
Gil’s injury marks the third starting pitcher currently on the Yankees' injured list, emphasizing the rotation’s vulnerability. The team nearly secured a trade for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers at the July 30 trade deadline, but concerns over Flaherty's medicals halted the move. To fill Gil’s roster spot, the Yankees have called up Warren, while Poteet has begun a minor-league rehab assignment, and Schmidt is expected to start his rehab in the coming days.
The Yankees, who entered Wednesday's play with a 73-53 record, find themselves half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the competitive AL East. Every game is increasingly crucial as they navigate this injury-laden period. Gil’s absence is particularly poignant given his career-high 124 2/3 innings this season, surpassing his previous mark of 108 2/3 innings set in 2021. His journey included missing most of 2022 and 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, making his comeback and subsequent performance this season that much more impressive.
Yankees Push Forward
For the Yankees, Gil’s injury isn’t just a test of depth but resilience. Boone and his coaching staff must strategize and leverage the available pitching options to maintain their postseason push. The team’s approach will likely focus on keeping their momentum despite the mounting challenges. Gil’s own words resonate with an air of cautious optimism and a need for patience. “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,” shared Gil.
The Yankees must now find a way to navigate these setbacks, ensuring that every player stepping up can shoulder the responsibility. The hope remains that Gil’s injury is short-term and that his recovery process is smooth and without complications. In the meantime, players like Warren, Poteet, and Schmidt will have pivotal roles, contributing where needed and providing the spark the team needs to stay competitive.
With their eyes firmly set on the postseason, the Yankees’ ability to adapt and overcome these injuries will be crucial. As Gil embarks on his recovery, the team and fans alike will be counting the days until his return, hoping his formidable presence on the mound will soon be felt again.