The New York Yankees are dealing with another blow to their pitching staff as they announce that promising rookie right-hander Luis Gil has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a lower back strain. This comes as a significant setback for a team already navigating a challenging season marked by injuries.
During Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, Gil had to leave the mound after pitching just three innings. The 26-year-old right-hander called for the trainer after feeling discomfort during a pitch in the fourth inning, prompting his early exit. Despite initially describing the pain as tightness, further examination confirmed it to be a strain.
"I tried to work through it, but you don't want to force the issue and make it worse," said Gil. "I saw the doctor here, and he told me to take it day-by-day."
Manager Aaron Boone spoke to the media following the game, providing further insight into Gil’s condition. "Luis reported some tightness initially, but the medical team found it to be more serious upon further investigation," Boone revealed.
In his three innings pitched before the injury, Gil allowed three runs on three hits and issued six walks, utilizing 78 pitches in the process. Over the course of the season, Gil has established himself as a key contributor in the Yankees' rotation, boasting a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings across 24 starts. This performance earned Gil a spot in the rotation after ace Gerrit Cole went down with a nerve issue in his elbow during spring training. Gil continued to prove his worth, remaining in the rotation even after Cole’s return in June.
However, Gil's journey has not been without its challenges. He logged a career-high 124 2/3 innings this season, surpassing his previous high of 108 2/3 innings set in 2021. He missed most of 2022 and 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery, yet he managed to come back and contribute significantly to the Yankees' efforts this year.
The Yankees are currently in a tight race for the top position in the AL East, holding a 73-53 record and sitting just half a game behind the Baltimore Orioles as they entered Wednesday's play. This latest injury adds to their growing list of sidelined pitchers, with Gil being the third starting pitcher currently on the injured list.
“I've never felt anything like that," Gil expressed concerning his current injury. "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 have called up Warren to fill Gil’s spot on the roster in response to this setback. Additionally, Poteet has begun a minor-league rehab assignment, with Schmidt expected to start his minor-league rehab in the coming days. Despite these adjustments, the Yankees must figure out how to navigate through this injury-laden period as they continue their push towards the postseason.
Earlier attempts to bolster their pitching staff fell through, complicating their current situation. The Yankees had backed away from a trade deal for Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers at the July 30 trade deadline due to concerns over his medicals. As a result, they must now rely on their depth and resilience to compensate for the loss of Gil.
Gil's contributions this season have been integral, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt. The Yankees must find a way to maintain their focus and adapt to the growing list of injuries as they aim for a strong finish to the season.