The Yankees entered spring training with plans for a rotation featuring Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes, and Clarke Schmidt. However, with Cole sidelined due to an elbow injury expected to keep him out for 1-2 months, Aaron Boone and the team had to decide on their fifth starter.
Luis Gil emerged from a competitive field that included Luke Weaver, Clayton Beeter, and Will Warren. Gil wasn’t initially in the spotlight due to his lack of recent major league innings after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021. Nevertheless, Boone ultimately chose Gil for the role without hesitation.
Weaver, brought in as a veteran option for either the fifth starter spot or bullpen duty, faced some challenges during spring training, including a neck issue that sidelined him for a period.
While Beeter lacked major league experience, he remains a potential contributor in various pitching roles this season. Warren, highly regarded by the Yankees, stumbled in a recent outing against the Boston Red Sox during spring training and faces roster hurdles as he’s not on the 40-man roster.
Gil’s impressive performance earned him the fifth starter position, though adjustments will be necessary to accommodate him on the roster.
Back in 2021, Luis Gil sparked optimism among the Yankees and their fans as a potential long-term asset for the team. During that season, he made six starts for New York, posting an impressive 3.07 ERA in those outings.
Gil’s contributions were instrumental in securing crucial victories late in the season, ultimately aiding the Yankees in clinching a wild card spot in the American League. Although there were concerns regarding Gil’s walk rate and overall command at the time, his performance as a young pitcher showcased promising potential for the future.
In 2022, Gil’s tenure with the Yankees was brief, as he started just one game before needing to undergo Tommy John surgery. This sidelined him for the remainder of the season and limited his appearances to only two games with the Low-A Tampa Tarpons in 2023. However, Gil arrived at spring training determined to reaffirm his position within the Yankees organization and showcase his value as a pitcher for the future.
During spring training, Gil made significant strides, appearing in five games and registering a commendable 2.87 ERA across 15.2 innings pitched, as reported by MLB.com. Particularly noteworthy was his performance on March 11 against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he delivered 3.2 shutout innings, surrendering only one hit and one walk.
Given his impressive showing in spring training, it was a straightforward decision for the Yankees to award Gil the fifth starter role. It’s anticipated that he will make his first start approximately a week from now when the Yankees hit the road to face the Arizona Diamondbacks.
