Abdelrahman
Luis Gil to Undergo MRI as Yankees Face Rotation Challenges
TAMPA — The reigning American League Rookie of the Year, Luis Gil, is scheduled for an MRI examination after experiencing discomfort in his right shoulder during a bullpen session. Yankees manager Aaron Boone reported that Gil had to cut his practice short due to the tightness.
The MRI, set to take place on Saturday, aims to determine the extent of Gil’s injury, leaving uncertainty in the air for the Yankees. “He felt tight and wasn’t able to really let it rip,” Boone stated ahead of the Yankees’ game against the Blue Jays at Steinbrenner Field. “Hopefully, it’s not too serious, but it seems likely that it will set him back for some time.”
Last season, Gil significantly exceeded his previous innings limit, pitching 151 ²/₃ innings with a solid 3.50 ERA, after managing only 29 ²/₃ innings in the prior two seasons combined due to Tommy John surgery. Boone expressed concern about Gil’s situation, noting the implications of a pitcher having to halt their practice early. “Anytime they stop a bullpen session a few pitches in, it’s concerning,” he added, emphasizing a need for caution while awaiting results.
With Gil’s injury, veteran pitcher Marcus Stroman now has the chance to secure a spot in the rotation instead of being the odd man out, as previously anticipated. Stroman, who made it clear upon his arrival at camp that he would not pitch out of the bullpen, finds himself in a more favorable position as the Yankees navigate their roster.
The primary concern now is how long Gil will be sidelined, alongside the health of the remaining rotation as spring training progresses. Clarke Schmidt recently dealt with back discomfort but is expected to throw live batting practice on Saturday. Gerrit Cole, who faced an elbow setback last spring, made his Grapefruit League debut on Friday, while new signing Max Fried is slated to make his first start on Monday. Carlos Rodón has already made two starts, and Stroman will pitch his second game on Sunday.
However, the team’s starting depth has already faced challenges this spring. Boone revealed that right-hander JT Brubaker suffered a rib injury during a comebacker incident, resulting in an indefinite absence. Additionally, prospect Chase Hampton recently underwent Tommy John surgery. Should further injuries occur, Will Warren—who has performed well this spring—could be called upon to fill in.
As for Gil, he had been conducting live batting practices this season, but injury struck before he could make an in-game appearance. The 26-year-old maintained his offseason throwing routine to build on his previous success from last season, hoping to make an impact once again.
Last year at this time, Gil was one of the first players cut from big league camp, with the Yankees choosing to have him build up without pressure in minor league camp. However, when Cole went down with an elbow issue, Gil seized the opportunity, impressing during camp and ultimately winning the role of the fifth starter.
His performance in the early months of the previous season helped the Yankees remain competitive in Cole’s absence, with the only injury Gil encountered being a minor lower back strain in August, which forced him to take a two-week break. The Yankees effectively utilized this period as a managed rest before the crucial stretch of the season.
