The New York Yankees faced another disheartening setback as they placed promising rookie right-hander Luis Gil 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 was pulled out after pitching merely three innings.
Manager Aaron Boone disclosed that Gil had initially described the issue as tightness. However, further evaluations confirmed it to be 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 shared, reflecting his cautious approach to dealing with the ailment. It was in the fourth inning when Gil called the trainer to the mound after a pitch, which subsequently led to his early exit from the game.
Gil has been an integral part of the Yankees' rotation this season. Despite allowing three runs on three hits and issuing six walks over 78 pitches in his recent outing, his overall performance has been strong. Boasting a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings spanning 24 starts, Gil has solidified his position within the team, earning his spot in the rotation after ace Gerrit Cole suffered a nerve issue in his elbow during spring training.
Impact on the Yankees' Rotation
With Cole’s return in June, Gil maintained his spot in the rotation, which speaks volumes about his capability and resilience. Unfortunately, with Gil's injury, the Yankees now find themselves with three of their starting pitchers on the injured list. This development compounds an already challenging season for the team. The Yankees had previously backed away from a trade deal for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers at the July 30 trade deadline due to concerns over his medicals, which leaves them in a precarious situation now.
To compensate for Gil's absence, the Yankees have called up Warren to fill his roster spot. Poteet has also begun a minor-league rehab assignment, and Schmidt is expected to start his minor-league rehab in the coming days. The team is navigating through a period filled with injuries, and they will need to maintain their focus and adaptability as they push towards the postseason.
Yankees' Standings and Future Outlook
Despite the setbacks, the Yankees hold a commendable 73-53 record as they entered Wednesday's play, trailing half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. The resolve and persistence of the team will be tested as they work to cover the gaps left by their injured players.
Gil’s contributions this season have been noteworthy. He logged a career-high 124 2/3 innings, surpassing his previous best of 108 2/3 innings set in 2021. This achievement is even more significant when considering that Gil missed most of 2022 and 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery. His performance this season underscores his potential and the crucial role he has played for the Yankees.
Reflecting on the injury, Gil expressed his concerns and hopes for a swift 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,” Gil remarked, indicating the uncertainty that comes with his current condition.
The Yankees' tenacity and strategic decisions in the upcoming games will be pivotal. With significant players like Gil sidelined, the team must rally and find ways to sustain their performance levels as they vie for a strong finish this season.