New York Yankees Face Another Setback: Luis Gil Sidelined with Back Strain
The New York Yankees' season hit another bump in the road as promising rookie right-hander Luis Gil was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain.
This latest injury blow struck during Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, where Gil was abruptly pulled from the mound after pitching just three innings. Initially describing his discomfort as tightness, further examination revealed the more serious nature of the 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 he told me to take it day-by-day,” said Gil. He continued, “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.”
Following a pitch in the fourth inning, Gil summoned the trainer to the mound, resulting in his early exit. At 26 years old, Gil had allowed three runs on three hits and issued six walks over 78 pitches during his shortened outing. Despite his recent struggles, his performance this season has been impressive, boasting a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings in 24 starts.
Gil stepped up into the Yankees’ rotation following ace Gerrit Cole's nerve issue in his elbow, which sidelined him during spring training. Even upon Cole’s return in June, Gil maintained his spot in the rotation, showcasing his value to the team. This promising young pitcher has logged a career-high 124 2/3 innings this season, surpassing his previous benchmark of 108 2/3 innings set in 2021, a notable achievement considering he missed most of 2022 and 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.
This latest injury adds to a growing list of issues for the Yankees, who now have three starting pitchers on the injured list. The timing couldn’t be worse, as they opted not to pursue a trade for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers at the July 30 trade deadline following concerns over his medicals. To fill Gil's roster spot, the Yankees have called up Warren, with Poteet and Schmidt also beginning their minor-league rehab assignments, providing some hope of reinforcement.
Entering Wednesday's play with a 73-53 record, the Yankees find themselves half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. Maintaining their stride despite these setbacks will be crucial as they push toward the postseason. Gil’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, given his integral role this season. The team must collectively shoulder the load to navigate through this injury-laden period.
Manager Aaron Boone and the Yankees organization are left to ponder how to compensate for the loss of a pitcher who has repeatedly proven his mettle, even when faced with past injuries. With key players on the mend and a roster in flux, the team’s resilience will be tested as they strive to remain competitive in an intensely contested division.
As the Yankees look to stay afloat in the standings, the hope is that Luis Gil's injury isn't a long-term setback. The medical team will monitor his recovery closely, with Gil and the organization taking a cautious approach to his return. This conservative strategy aims to prevent worsening the injury and ensure that one of their promising talents can recuperate fully, contributing to the team's success down the stretch when it matters most.