The New York Yankees are facing yet another challenge in an already tumultuous season as rookie right-hander Luis Gil has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain. This unfortunate development occurred during Tuesday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, where Gil was removed from the mound after pitching just three innings.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that Gil initially described the issue as tightness but subsequent examinations confirmed a strain. Speaking on the matter, Gil recounted, “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 he told me to take it day-by-day.”
During the game, Gil called out the trainer in the fourth inning following a pitch, which eventually led to his early exit. Prior to leaving the game, the young pitcher allowed three runs on three hits and issued six walks, tallying a total of 78 pitches. Despite these setbacks, Gil's statistics for the season have been commendable, boasting a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts.
Gil, who is 26, earned his spot in the Yankees’ rotation earlier in the season after ace Gerrit Cole was sidelined with a nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Even upon Cole’s return in June, Gil remained a vital part of the rotation, demonstrating his value to the team. Reflecting on the strain, Gil expressed his concerns, “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.”
The Yankees are now grappling with three of their starting pitchers on the injured list, compounding their struggle to maintain momentum as the postseason approaches. This setback comes after the team decided against a trade deal for Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers during the July 30 trade deadline over concerns regarding his medical evaluations. In light of Gil's injury, the Yankees have called up Warren to fill his roster spot, while Poteet and Schmidt are both on minor-league rehab assignments, with Schmidt expected to start his in the coming days.
With a current record of 73-53, the Yankees are in a tight race in the AL East, trailing just half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles. Gil's contributions this season have been invaluable, particularly considering he surged back after missing most of 2022 and 2023 due to Tommy John surgery. His career-high 124 2/3 innings pitched this season surpasses his previous record of 108 2/3 innings set in 2021.
The Yankees are undoubtedly navigating through a period burdened by injuries, but Gil's situation underscores the necessity of maintaining focus and finding strategies to compensate for critical losses. As the team strives to secure a position in the postseason, they must rely on the depth of their roster and the resilience that has defined their season thus far.