New York Yankees right-hander Luis Gil has been lights out and a major success so far in his role as the fifth starter, and his future in the rotation is being solidified outing by outing.
The knowledge between Brian Cashman, Aaron Boone, and the baseball operations staff in the Bronx is on full display right now on the mound. In addition to their offseason acquisitions, the decision of which arm to plug into the rotation while we wait for Gerrit Cole is paying dividends. Gil is making a strong pitch to stay long-term with his 2024 performance.
Luis Gil’s Success in Providing Quality Starts for Yankees
Yankees nation has been so intrigued by the performance of Gil that the urgency for Gerrit Cole’s return is almost non-existent. The fanbase understands how untouchable the pitching staff can be once a healthy and effective Cole returns to play. However, dominance from the righty plus endless offensive support from the lineup is keeping the Yankees rolling through victory after victory with Gil on the mound.
Gil sits on a .800 win-loss percentage with a 4-1 record. He has an impressive 2.51 ERA in 43 innings of work. He has struck out 48 batters and walked 26 of the 175 batters faced. With a bit of load management at the beginning of the season, Gil has worked his way up to an average of six innings of work per outing, setting things up for short relief from the pen.
So far this season, Gil averages about two runs allowed per game and also six strikeouts per game. Plus, his batting average against per game has not reached .180 or exceeded that as of yet. From April 1st to date, his pitch-to-strike ratio is 755-451, which is above 50%.
Game Review and Analysis
To get a good sense of Gil’s success on the mound, it is important to understand his approach and offerings. On April 24th, the Yankees faced the Tampa Bay Rays with Gil on the bump. He threw 5 2/3 innings with two hits, one run (zero earned), three walks, and nine strikeouts. This is probably one of the most impressive starts this year for the youngster.
Gil threw 97 pitches that game, with the four-seam fastball being the dominant option. He threw 56 four-seamers, 27 changeups, and 14 sliders. His fastball had tail and zip on it, with vertical movement between 11-18 inches and horizontal movement between three to 11 inches. The changeup and slider sat between -21 to -38 inches of vertical movement.
Luis Gil, Mean 94mph Changeup. 👌 pic.twitter.com/1LWDYQdoeq
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 12, 2024
Between the three pitch options, 56 of his pitches were in the zone. He had 18 called strikes, 14 swinging strikes, and 32 pitches led to contact. Only two fastballs were hit hard in fair territory. Gil has worked in a cutter into his repertoire but it’s barely used. The changeup and four-seam are at par for his top put-away pitch.
Gil will locate and command his pitches well, and he has a good IQ for his matchups. He’s very calculated as a pitcher and has composure in all scenarios. As of May 12, his fastball has been as hot as 99mph.
Wil Gil Be Here for a While?
The Yankees should not change this wheel if it’s not broken. Luis Gil looks to be a Cinderella addition to the rotation. In fact, if he keeps this up, he’s on track for possible Cy Young Award consideration.
Gil will also play a huge role in the pennant chase, assuming New York continues its pace of winning. The Yankees have decisions to make once Gerrit Cole makes his return, however, Gil can anticipate holding a starting rotation spot for some time.
Photo Credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
