The New York Yankees have been dealt yet another blow in what has already been a challenging season, as promising right-hander Luis Gil has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain. This setback occurred during Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, where Gil was forced to exit after just three innings of pitching.
During a crucial moment in the fourth inning, Gil called for the trainer after experiencing discomfort following a pitch. Initially describing the problem as tightness, further examination confirmed a strain, according to Yankees Manager Aaron Boone. Gil, reflecting on the incident, said, “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.”
Despite the challenges, Gil's performance this season has been commendable. The 26-year-old pitcher has a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts. However, his outing against the Guardians saw him struggle, allowing three runs on three hits and issuing six walks, culminating in 78 pitches before his early exit.
Gil’s journey to the Yankees' rotation was necessitated by the injury to ace Gerrit Cole, who went down with a nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Gil’s impressive performances ensured his place in the rotation even after Cole’s return in June. Unfortunately, the Yankees now face the prospect of continuing their campaign with three starting pitchers on the injured list, a situation that further complicates their postseason aspirations.
The Yankees had an opportunity to bolster their pitching staff at the July 30 trade deadline but chose to back away from a deal for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers due to concerns over his medical evaluations. This decision has now left them scrambling for alternatives. The team has called up Warren to take Gil's roster spot, and Poteet has commenced a minor-league rehab assignment. Additionally, Schmidt is expected to begin his minor-league rehab in the coming days.
Despite these setbacks, the Yankees maintain a solid record of 73-53, entering Wednesday’s play half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the highly competitive AL East. However, Gil’s absence will undoubtedly be felt within the team. His career-high 124 2/3 innings this season surpasses his previous mark of 108 2/3 innings set in 2021, underscoring his critical role in the Yankees' rotation.
Gil missed the majority of the 2022 and 2023 seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery, making his contributions this year all the more significant. The Yankees now find themselves at a crossroads, navigating an injury-laden period that requires mental resilience and strategic adjustments. As Gil himself indicated, the focus is now on recovery. “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,” he said.
The Yankees must find a way to compensate for Gil's absence if they are to sustain their bid for postseason success. Manager Aaron Boone and his coaching staff will need to dig deep into their roster and cultivate other talents as they strive to mitigate the impact of these injuries. Gil's season, marked by impressive statistics and resilience, stands as a testament to his skill and determination. The hope within the Yankees' camp is that he can return in good form and contribute once again to their ongoing quest for triumph.