Luis Gil, a promising young right-handed pitcher, has been a key part of the New York Yankees starting rotation this season. After sustaining a lower back strain during a game against the Cleveland Guardians on August 20, the 26-year-old had to exit the game after pitching just three innings. Now, he has been reinstated from the 15-day injured list, marking his return to the team as they continue their push for the postseason.
Today, the Yankees returned RHP Luis Gil (#81) from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 15-day injured list.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 5, 2024
Luis Gil Activated from 15-day IL
It’s a surprise that Gil has been one of New York’s best starters this season. In 24 starts, he has a 3.39 ERA with 144 strikeouts over 124 2/3 innings. His 12 wins are also second on the team to Carlos Rodon. As a result, Gil’s success has firmly placed him in the race for American League Rookie of the Year. However, he is an unlikely finalist unless he goes on a stretch similar to the one he had in May, for which he won AL Rookie of the Month.
Gil’s return is crucial for the Yankees at this critical time. At 80-60 and half a game back of the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East, their pitching has been inconsistent. In the last four games where they allowed 35 runs and closer, Clay Holmes, has had 11 blown saves. Right-hander Gerrit Cole hasn’t performed as well as he did when he won the Cy Young Award a season ago. Left-hander Nestor Cortes has also had one of the worst seasons in his career. Overall, the pitching staff is not looking great. Having Gil return now is essential for the Yankees’ rotation for the stretch run.
Main Photo: © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images