Injury Woes Continue for Yankees as Luis Gil Hits IL
The New York Yankees have encountered yet another obstacle in their tumultuous season, with promising rookie right-hander Luis Gil being placed on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain. This latest setback came during Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, where Gil was pulled out after merely three innings of work.
Manager Aaron Boone addressed the media post-game, explaining that Gil initially described the discomfort as tightness. However, further medical examinations substantiated the strain. "I tried to work through it, but you don't want to force the issue and make it worse," Gil said. "I saw the doctor here and he told me to take it day-by-day."
The incident unfolded in the fourth inning when Gil summoned the trainer to the mound after a pitch, leading to his early exit from the game. An ailing Gil allowed three runs on three hits and issued six walks, tallying a total of 78 pitches during his outing.
Despite these challenges, Gil's performance this season has been commendable. The 26-year-old has recorded a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts. His stellar contributions were pivotal, especially considering he earned a spot in the Yankees' rotation after ace Gerrit Cole was sidelined with a nerve issue in his elbow during spring training.
Gil remained a steady presence in the rotation even after Cole's return in June, underscoring his value to the team. However, the Yankees now find themselves with three starting pitchers on the injured list, exacerbating their situation.
At the trade deadline on July 30, the Yankees had considered acquiring Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers. However, they backed away from the deal due to concerns over Flaherty's medical conditions. Instead, the Yankees have called up Warren to take Gil's roster spot, as they navigate through this injury-laden period.
On a somewhat positive note, pitcher Poteet has begun a minor-league rehab assignment, and Schmidt is expected to start his minor-league rehab in the coming days. These updates offer a glimmer of hope as the team aims to bolster its pitching depth.
Currently, the Yankees hold a 73-53 record, narrowly trailing the Baltimore Orioles by half a game in the AL East standings. As Gil mentioned, "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."
This season, Gil has logged a career-high 124 2/3 innings, surpassing his previous best of 108 2/3 innings in 2021. His return to form this season was especially significant given that he missed most of 2022 and 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery. His contribution has been integral, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt as the Yankees push towards the postseason.
The New York Yankees, already battling numerous injuries, must now find ways to compensate for the loss of another key player. With a strong focus on maintaining momentum and securing victories, they will need to rely on their depth and resilience. As the team marshals its resources, the hope is that Luis Gil and other injured players will return in time to make an impact in the later stages of the season.