The New York Yankees suffered another blow as their promising rookie right-hander, Luis Gil, was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain. The incident unfolded during Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, pulling Gil out of the match after pitching just three innings.
Manager Aaron Boone initially downplayed Gil's complaints of tightness, but further examination confirmed the severity of the strain. The young pitcher, who had called the trainer to the mound in the fourth inning, ultimately had to make an early exit, causing concern among teammates and fans alike.
Reflecting on the situation, Gil shared his apprehensions, saying, “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.” The 26-year-old right-hander also 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.”
In the brief stint before his departure, Gil allowed three runs on three hits and issued six walks, throwing a total of 78 pitches. Despite the rocky outing, Gil has showcased his potential throughout the season, maintaining a 3.39 ERA and amassing 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts.
Gil's journey this season has been marked by challenges and milestones. He secured a spot in the Yankees' rotation early on after Gerrit Cole, the team's ace, went down with a nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Gil remained in the rotation even after Cole's return in June, highlighting his value to the team. However, his recent strain adds to the Yankees' woes, with three starting pitchers now sidelined due to injuries.
The injury list is not the only complication for the Yankees. They opted to back away 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 has left the team to lean even more heavily on their existing roster as they aim to navigate the remainder of the season.
In response to Gil’s injury, the Yankees have called up Warren to fill his roster spot. Additionally, Poteet has begun a minor-league rehab assignment, and Schmidt is expected to commence his own rehab in the coming days. These moves are attempts to mitigate the impact of losing Gil and bolster their pitching options as they push towards the postseason.
Entering Wednesday’s play, the Yankees hold a 73-53 record, placing them half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the fiercely competitive AL East. The setback with Gil comes at a critical juncture as the Yankees aim to solidify their standing and prepare for the playoff race.
This season marks a significant comeback for Gil, who logged a career-high 124 2/3 innings, surpassing his previous mark set in 2021. His performance has been even more commendable given his absence for most of 2022 and 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
With Gil’s latest contribution being integral to the Yankees’ rotation, his absence will undoubtedly be felt. The team faces the challenge of maintaining focus and finding ways to compensate for the loss as they strive for a successful postseason run. Despite the mounting injuries, the Yankees must rally together, leveraging their depth and adaptability to overcome the hurdles ahead.
It remains to be seen how the lineup adjustments will play out, but the resilience and determination of the Yankees will be put to the test. As they contend with this injury-laden period, every player’s contribution will be pivotal in their quest to secure a spot in the playoffs and ultimately aim for championship glory.