The 2024 baseball season was shaping up to be a pivotal one for Luis Gil, the New York Yankees’ standout pitcher who made history by winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award. However, the excitement surrounding his promising career hit a roadblock when it was announced that Gil would be sidelined for at least six weeks due to a high-grade lat strain. This injury, sustained during a bullpen session on Friday, has thrown a wrench into the Yankees’ plans for their starting rotation as they approach the new season.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed the media on Monday, confirming the extent of Gil’s injury and emphasizing that the pitcher’s workload from the 2024 season was not a contributing factor. Despite Gil throwing a career-high 151 ⅔ innings in his first year back from Tommy John surgery, Boone reassured reporters that the team’s approach to monitoring player health goes beyond mere innings limits. The Yankees utilize advanced methods such as force plate testing in the weight room and careful observation of mechanical changes, like a pitcher altering their arm slot, to ensure their players’ well-being. These practices are designed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a player’s health, allowing the team to make informed decisions about their workload and readiness.
The road to recovery for Luis Gil is expected to be a lengthy one. Boone revealed that Gil will not throw for the next six weeks, and even after that, he will need a full spring training to gradually build back his strength and endurance as a starting pitcher. This timeline suggests that the earliest Gil could return to the mound is late May, assuming there are no setbacks during his rehabilitation. While this is a best-case scenario, it’s a challenging reality for both Gil and the Yankees, who were counting on him to be a key contributor in their rotation this season.
Luis Gil is no stranger to overcoming adversity. In 2016, he missed an entire season due to shoulder surgery, and this latest injury marks the third major setback of his professional career. Despite these challenges, Boone praised Gil’s resilience and upbeat mindset, noting that the young pitcher has proven his ability to bounce back from tough situations. Boone also mentioned that he has been in regular communication with Gil, ensuring that his mental and emotional well-being are prioritized during this recovery process. The manager emphasized the importance of getting Gil “right” both physically and mentally, acknowledging that the road ahead will require patience and dedication.
While Gil works toward his return, the Yankees are left to navigate the immediate void his absence creates. Veteran pitcher Marcus Stroman is expected to step into Gil’s spot in the rotation, bringing a mix of experience and uncertainty. Stroman, who struggled in the second half of the 2024 season with a 5.70 ERA over his final 17 starts, has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason as the Yankees explored ways to reduce their payroll. Despite these challenges, Stroman remains a key figure in the team’s plans for now, and his performance will be closely watched as he tries to bounce back from a lackluster finish to last season. Additionally, Stroman has an $18 million vesting option for the 2026 season tied to his innings pitched in 2025, adding another layer of motivation for him to perform well this year.
The Yankees’ starting pitching depth is already being tested early in spring training, with other pitchers dealing with their own injuries and uncertainties. JT Brubaker, another member of the rotation, suffered a setback when he fractured three ribs while trying to avoid a line drive during practice. Veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco, currently in camp as a non-roster invitee, could serve as a safety net if he accepts a minor-league assignment. Meanwhile, the team is also keeping an eye on its younger prospects, such as Will Warren, who has impressed in early outings and could factor into the rotation later in the season if injuries persist. Allan Winans, another non-roster invitee, is expected to start the season in Triple A but could be called upon if the need arises.
Luis Gil’s injury Undoubtedly puts a damper on the Yankees’ hopes for the 2024 season, as he was expected to be a cornerstone of their rotation. Early last season, Gil was even generating Cy Young buzz and was considered a potential starter for the All-Star Game, highlighting just how high the expectations were for his performance. Now, the team faces the possibility of being without one of their most promising young players for at least a few months. As the Yankees navigate this challenge, they will need to lean on their depth and the resilience of players like Marcus Stroman to fill the void left by Gil’s absence. For now, all eyes will be on Gil’s recovery, hoping that he can return to form and make a meaningful impact when he’s ready to take the mound again.
