Injury Throws Yankees’ Rotation into Further Disarray
The New York Yankees have suffered yet another blow to their pitching staff, as promising rookie right-hander Luis Gil has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain. The injury was confirmed following his early exit from Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians.
Manager Aaron Boone disclosed that Gil had initially complained of tightness, which subsequent examinations revealed to be a more serious strain. The young pitcher had to summon the trainer to the mound during the fourth inning, ultimately cutting his outing short after just three innings of work.
"I've never felt anything like that," Gil said. "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 performance on Tuesday was a mixed bag. He allowed three runs on three hits and issued six walks over 78 pitches. The 26-year-old has compiled a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts this season, showcasing his potential despite the setback.
His placement on the injured list compounds the Yankees' current woes, now featuring three starting pitchers out of commission. Gil's presence in the rotation became pivotal after ace Gerrit Cole was sidelined with a nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Even after Cole’s return in June, Gil held his place in the rotation.
"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 explained.
The Yankees face a challenging task to maintain their momentum, sitting half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East with a record of 73-53 entering Wednesday's play. The absence of Gil, who has reached a career-high of 124 2/3 innings this season, is poised to be felt deeply within the team.
Compounding the difficulties, the Yankees backed away from a trade deal for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers at the July 30 trade deadline due to concerns over his medical records. This decision looks increasingly consequential now, as the team scrambles to fill the gaps left by their injured starters.
In immediate response to Gil's injury, the Yankees have called up Warren to take his roster spot. Additionally, Poteet has started a minor-league rehab assignment, and Schmidt is expected to begin his own rehab in the coming days.
Gil's contribution this season has been nothing short of crucial, especially considering he missed most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery. His absence marks a significant hurdle for a team maneuvering through an injury-laden period.
The Yankees will need to rely on the depth of their roster and the resilience of their players to navigate this tricky terrain. Maintaining their postseason aspirations will demand focus and strategic adjustments from both management and players alike.