The Yankees have placed pitcher on the injured list due to a lower back strain. In a corresponding move, right-hander Will Warren has been recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Gil, who started Tuesday night’s game against the Guardians, was removed after just three innings and 78 pitches. The Yankees later confirmed that he left the game with tightness in his lower back, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic on X. There is no update yet on how long Gil will be sidelined.
This injury will interrupt what has been a standout rookie season for Gil. He has made 24 starts with a 3.39 ERA, although his 12.6% walk rate is relatively high, he compensates with a solid 27.5% strikeout rate.
Luis Gil might have needed some rest soon anyway, as he is already reaching new highs in his workload. He had Tommy John surgery in May 2022, which caused him to miss most of that season and all of 2023. Before the surgery, his career-high innings total was 108 2/3 in 2021 across both major and minor leagues.
In 2024, Luis Gil has already pitched 124 2/3 innings, surpassing his previous career high and stepping into new workload territory after two largely missed seasons. Despite his strong performance this year, the Yankees might have considered reducing his workload, possibly by optioning him to the minors or shifting him to the bullpen.
The injured list stint might serve as the necessary break, assuming the injury isn’t severe. If it’s only a matter of a few weeks, it could provide Gil with a chance to recharge for the remainder of the season and the postseason.
In the meantime, the Yankees will have to adjust their rotation without Gil. He joins Clarke Schmidt, JT Brubaker, and Cody Poteet on the IL, though some of these pitchers could return soon. Poteet began a rehab assignment on Tuesday, and Schmidt is expected to start his rehab assignment on Friday, according to Kirschner on X.
For now, the rotation will consist of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, and Marcus Stroman, with Warren likely stepping in to fill Gil’s spot.
Despite the Yankees’ strong record of 73-53 this season, their pitching staff hasn’t performed exceptionally well. Marcus Stroman has the best ERA among them at 3.82, but his 16.8% strikeout rate, 9.9% walk rate, and 48.1% ground ball rate are all on track to be career lows. Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Nestor Cortes each have ERAs above 4.15, while Will Warren has struggled with an 8.59 ERA in his initial three major league starts.
Gil’s move to the IL could have broader implications beyond just this season. He was a candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year, and this injury might impact his chances. Rookie of the Year voting can influence clubs and players significantly, as top prospects who are promoted to the Opening Day roster and win the award can earn their teams an extra draft pick, while others might secure a full year of service time, even if they weren’t on the roster all year.
Although Gil isn’t eligible for the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI) due to not being a top prospect before the season, players like Colton Cowser and Austin Wells, who are eligible for the PPI, could see an increased opportunity to earn their teams a draft pick if they perform well and secure significant roles.
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