The New York Yankees could opt for a four-man rotation to begin the season, and Luis Gil could not be on the Opening Day roster.
Gil was expected to be a key part of the Yankees’ rotation to begin the season. Especially with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon injured. Yet, Gil has struggled this spring training, and Yankees insider Chris Kirschner of The Athletic believes he could be sent down to Triple-A to begin the season.
“Where things become interesting is the lingering Luis Gil question,” Kirschner wrote. “He has not performed well this spring, and there are major concerns about his viability in the rotation. … Because of the Yankees’ schedule to begin the season, they technically could roll with a four-man rotation until April 11.
“If they wanted, they could send Gil to the minor leagues to open the season and continue developing. In that case, the earliest they could recall him is April 9. The Yankees have not ruled out this possibility. If they go with a four-man rotation to begin the season, it would allow them to have an extra reliever, with Winquest, Bird and Headrick the likely candidates.”
Gil being optioned to Triple-A would be a surprise, as he was expected to be a key part of the roster. However, his struggles are a concern, and with off days, New York may opt for Gil to go to the minors so he can fix his struggles.
Gil was AL Rookie of the Year in 2024.
Yankees Hoping to ‘Fix’ Gil
Gil struggled for the Yankees last season, and the struggles continued in spring training.
So, Kirschner believes the Yankees may want to send Gil down to Triple-A so they can try to fix his fastball, which was an issue.
“The Yankees are trying to figure out if there’s a fix with his fastball in particular,” Kirschner wrote. “He continues to get inadequate swing-and-miss with it, even though the pitch characteristics are fine.
“The Yankees are working with Gil on his release point to add more deception. As a three-pitch pitcher who relies heavily on his fastball, he needs it to improve quickly. Otherwise, he’s approaching the danger zone.”
Gil is 2-1 with a 4.66 ERA in 6 starts this spring training. Last season, he went 4-1 with a 3.32 ERA in 11 starts as he dealt with injuries.
Gil Impresses in Spring Start
With Opening Day around the corner, Gil turned back the clock on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles.
Gil’s fastball velocity was there, while the command also improved, which Yankees manager Aaron Boone was happy to see.
“That was 2024 Luis Gil right there,” Boone said postgame. “It was great to see.”
Gil was shelled in his last outing which forced him to make some mechincal adjustments, which seemed to pay off in his final spring start.
“The thing that I feel happiest about is how everything has come together right now,” Gil said through interpreter Marlon Abreu. “It’s at the right time. We’re getting ready to start the season. I’m very happy with how I feel, being back to where I feel like myself.”
But whether or not Gil will be on the Yankees’ Opening Day roster is to be seen.
Yankees Linked to Making Surprising Decision on Former Rookie of The Year Pitcher