New York Yankees suffer devastating blow before the new MLB season

At the end of last season, when Luis Gil was defying expectations with his speed and precision, the New York Yankees believed they had finally found a young arm capable of anchoring their rotation for years to come. A Dominican pitcher with the poise of a veteran, Gil boasts an intimidating fastball and the ability to shine on baseball’s biggest stage.

Luis Gil update: what injury does he have and when will he be back?

Today, three weeks before MLB Opening Day on March 27, the Yankees faces a less encouraging reality. General Manager Brian Cashman has confirmed that Gil will be out for at least three months after suffering a right lat muscle injury.

The diagnosis was confirmed by a second MRI in New York. The recovery process won’t be easy: six weeks of complete inactivity before starting from scratch. At best, Gil won’t return before June.

Gil’s superb 2024 season

For a team that was counting on his growth in the rotation, the news leaves a difficult void to fill. Not only had Gil performed exceptionally in 2024, winning the Rookie of the Year award, but his presence provided an ideal balance behind Gerrit Cole and Max Fried.

Gil’s emergence last season was crucial to the team’s stability. After missing all of 2023 following Tommy John surgery, the right-hander pitched 165.2 innings with a 2.89 ERA and 192 strikeouts, proving he could be more than just a player with promise. New York thought they had found a long-term starter. Now, they will have to wait.

Who will take Luis Gil’s place in the Yankees rotation?

The Yankees still have depth in their pitching staff, but Gil’s absence forces them to rethink their initial plan. Gerrit Cole will remain the ace, with Max Fried slotting behind.

Carlos Rodón, who had an inconsistent 2024 season, will try to regain his best form, while Clarke Schmidt will look to establish himself as a reliable starter.

The final spot in the rotation will go to either Marcus Stroman or Will Warren.

Stroman, who joined as a free agent, is a veteran with postseason experience. However, his recent performance raises doubts: in 2024, he had a 4.32 ERA and struggled with control issues.

Warren, on the other hand, is one for the future. Considered one of the Yankees' top prospects, his talent is undeniable, but he has yet to prove he can take on the role full-time.

Original article written by Ariel Velázquez, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.

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