The New York Yankees Endure Another Setback: Luis Gil to the Injured List
In a season already plagued by injuries, the New York Yankees face yet another setback as they lose emerging right-hander Luis Gil to the 15-day injured list with a lower back strain. The incident occurred during Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, where Gil was forced to exit early after pitching just three innings.
Yankees' manager Aaron Boone disclosed that Gil initially described the discomfort as tightness. However, a further medical examination confirmed 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," explained Gil. The young pitcher called the trainer to the mound after a pitch in the fourth inning, which led to his early departure.
Despite his early exit, Gil, 26, had a mixed outing, allowing three runs on three hits and issuing six walks over 78 pitches. This comes as a significant blow for the Yankees, as Gil has posted a commendable 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts this season. His performance this year has been pivotal, especially considering he stepped up to fill the gap left by ace Gerrit Cole, who was sidelined with a nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Gil managed to retain his spot in the rotation even after Cole's return in June.
Gil's absence adds to the Yankees' mounting injury woes. The team now has three starting pitchers on the injured list, further complicating their push towards the postseason. To mitigate this, the Yankees have called up Warren to take Gil’s roster spot and are waiting on the recoveries of other key pitchers. Poteet has started a minor-league rehab assignment, while Schmidt is expected to begin his minor-league rehab in the coming days.
Boone expressed his concerns as well, reflecting on Gil's worries: "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," said Gil. This cautious approach seems prudent, especially considering Gil missed most of 2022 and 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery. Restarting any issues too soon could jeopardize his long-term health and effectiveness.
At the current juncture, the Yankees have a solid 73-53 record, just half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. As they contend with a tightly packed schedule and high stakes, each player's contribution is critical. Gil has already pitched a career-high 124 2/3 innings this season, surpassing his previous mark of 108 2/3 innings set in 2021. His resilience and performance have been integral to the Yankees' ongoing campaign.
In a move that hinted at their concern over pitching depth, the Yankees walked away from a potential trade for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers at the July 30 trade deadline. Skepticism over Flaherty's medicals ultimately led to the decision, leaving the Yankees to rely on internal options as they navigate this injury-laden period.
Gil’s injury places an additional burden on a team already stretched thin. The Yankees must now tighten their focus and find ways to compensate for the void left by one of their most promising young pitchers. With the postseason approaching, every game becomes increasingly important, making the strategic management of their remaining resources crucial.
As the Yankees look to the future, they must balance cautious optimism with realism. The journey towards postseason dreams may have hit another bump, but resilience and adaptability could still pave the way for success. The team’s ability to manage and overcome these challenges will be tested in the coming days and weeks.