The New York Yankees have encountered another hurdle in their tumultuous season as they lose one of their promising rookie right-handers, Luis Gil, to the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain.
In Tuesday's matchup against the Cleveland Guardians, Gil was pulled from the mound after pitching just three innings. Initially, Gil mentioned experiencing tightness, but further examination confirmed it was indeed a strain. Manager Aaron Boone explained the progression of the injury, indicating that Gil's discomfort was more severe than initially thought.
The incident unfolded in the fourth inning when Gil called for the trainer after throwing a pitch, which led to his early exit from the game. At 26 years old, Gil has shown significant promise this season, but he allowed three runs on three hits, issued six walks, and amassed a total of 78 pitches during the game.
Despite this setback, Gil has had an impressive season, sporting a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings in 24 starts. He initially earned his spot in the Yankees' rotation following ace Gerrit Cole's nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Gil's performance kept him in the rotation even after Cole's return in June.
The Yankees are currently grappling with multiple injuries among their starting pitchers, with Gil being the third to land on the injured list. This burgeoning injury list adds to the challenges the team faces as they strive to stay competitive.
The Yankees had also backed away from a potential trade deal for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers at the July 30 trade deadline, citing concerns over his medicals. In light of Gil's injury, Yankees management decided to call up Warren to fill his roster spot, while Poteet has begun a minor-league rehab assignment and Schmidt is expected to start his minor-league rehab in the coming days.
Heading into Wednesday's play, the Yankees boasted a 73-53 record, trailing the Baltimore Orioles by half a game in the AL East. Gil’s recent injury might demand further adjustments and adaptability from the team if they aim to maintain their robust performance.
Gil's journey this season has been remarkable, with him logging a career-high 124 2/3 innings, surpassing his previous mark of 108 2/3 innings set back in 2021. This comes after missing the majority of 2022 and 2023 seasons due to Tommy John surgery. His contributions have been vital to the Yankees, and his absence is expected to echo through the team's pitching lineup.
Gil expressed his sentiments about the injury, stating, “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.” He further 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.”
Navigating through this injury-laden period, the Yankees need to maintain their focus and devise strategies to compensate for Gil’s absence. His integral role in the team underscores the significance of his current predicament.
The Yankees’ roster must exhibit resilience and flexibility as they push towards the postseason. The support systems within the club and effective player management will be key in mitigating the impacts of such setbacks. Maintaining a robust mindset and proactive approach is crucial for weathering these challenges and vying for success in the remainder of the season.