Yankees Rookie Luis Gil Hits 15-Day IL With Lower Back Strain
The New York Yankees are grappling with yet another blow to their rotation as promising rookie right-hander Luis Gil lands on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain. This setback emerged during Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians when Gil was pulled from the mound after pitching just three innings.
Initially describing the pain as tightness, further medical examination revealed the strain, as confirmed by Yankees manager Aaron Boone. During the fourth inning, Gil called for the trainer after delivering a pitch, signaling that something was off. The 26-year-old right-hander ceded three runs on three hits and issued six walks over a laborious 78-pitch outing.
"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 stated in a post-game interview. His concern was evident but tempered by a pragmatic approach to 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's injury is particularly untimely as the Yankees are already managing a suite of injuries within their pitching staff. The team now counts three starting pitchers on the injured list, a situation compounded by their decision at the July 30 trade deadline to back away from acquiring Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers due to concerns over his medicals.
In the interim, the Yankees have called up pitcher Warren to take Gil's roster spot, while Poteet has begun a minor-league rehab assignment. Additionally, Schmidt is expected to start his minor-league rehab in the coming days, offering a glimmer of hope for the ailing rotation.
Gil's emergence in the Yankees' rotation was prompted by ace Gerrit Cole's nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Despite Cole's return in June, Gil maintained his spot in the rotation, underscoring his importance to the team. This season, he has logged a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts, setting a career-high in innings pitched and demonstrating his significant contribution to the team's campaign.
Having missed most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery, Gil’s performance this year signifies a triumphant return. However, his recent back strain is a harsh reminder of the unpredictable nature of a pitcher's health.
Currently, the Yankees boast a 73-53 record, placing them half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. As the team navigates this injury-laden period, the loss of Gil is indeed a setback, yet his integral contributions thus far underscore the resilience and depth of the squad.
Manager Aaron Boone and the Yankees must now recalibrate their strategies, relying on their depth to sustain their competitive edge as they push towards the postseason. The focus will inevitably be on maintaining team morale and conditioning, ensuring each player can step up to fill the void left by their ailing colleagues.
Despite the mounting challenges, the Yankees' seasoned approach and ability to adapt will be crucial over the coming weeks. With Gil working towards recovery and key pitchers on the mend, the team remains poised to continue their pursuit of postseason success.