Injury Woes Continue for Yankees as Luis Gil Hits the IL
The New York Yankees were dealt another blow this week as they lost one of their standout rookie right-handers, Luis Gil, to a 15-day injured list stint due to a lower back strain. The injury occurred in Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, where the 26-year-old hurler was pulled after just three innings.
Manager Aaron Boone initially mentioned that Gil described the discomfort as tightness. However, further examination confirmed a more concerning lower back strain, leading to his early exit after calling the trainer to the mound in the fourth inning.
Gil, who has been a significant part of the Yankees' rotation this season, managed to allow three runs on three hits and issued six walks over a labor-intensive 78 pitches during his brief outing. This season, Gil boasts a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts, marking a career-high in innings pitched, surpassing his previous mark of 108 2/3 innings set in 2021. Notably, he missed most of 2022 and 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.
“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,” said Gil. His concern was evident when 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's ascent to the Yankees' starting rotation was prompted by the injury of ace Gerrit Cole, who dealt with a nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Upon Cole’s return in June, Gil managed to retain his spot in the rotation, proving his worth as an integral component of the team’s pitching staff.
With Gil joining the injured list, the Yankees now have three starting pitchers sidelined. The timing couldn't be worse, as the team recently backed away from a trade deal for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers at the July 30 trade deadline due to concerns over Flaherty's medical condition. In light of the current situation, the Yankees have called up Warren to fill Gil's roster spot, while Poteet has begun a minor-league rehab assignment and Schmidt is expected to commence his own rehab in the coming days.
The Yankees, despite these setbacks, continue to be competitive. Entering Wednesday's play, they possess a 73-53 record, trailing just half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. This resilience will be critical as they navigate through an injury-laden period, with their sights firmly set on postseason contention.
Gil's absence will undoubtedly be felt. His contribution this season has been integral, and his performance has given the Yankees much-needed stability in their pitching rotation during a tumultuous time marked by injuries. The team will need to maintain their focus and look for ways to compensate for this loss as they continue their push towards the playoffs.
For now, all eyes are on Gil's recovery and the ability of the Yankees' depth to withstand another significant blow. With a storied franchise like the Yankees, the expectation remains high, and the road to postseason success will demand resilience and adaptability from both the players and coaching staff.