The New York Yankees will face a significant challenge to their pitching depth as reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil has been diagnosed with a high-grade latissimus dorsi strain that will sideline him until at least mid-June, the team announced Tuesday.
Gil, who experienced tightness in his right shoulder during a bullpen session last Friday, will be shut down from throwing for a minimum of six weeks before beginning a graduated rehabilitation program.
“It’s definitely not the best feeling when they tell you something like that. You’re not waiting for news like that,” Gil said. “Yeah, tough moment right there to digest.”
The 26-year-old right-hander emerged as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ rotation in 2024, posting a 15-7 record with a 3.50 ERA over 29 starts after successfully returning from Tommy John surgery that limited him to just 25⅔ innings in 2022.
Yankees rotation adjustments
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that veteran Marcus Stroman will slide into Gil’s spot in the rotation, joining a starting five that features Gerrit Cole, offseason acquisition Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt.
Stroman, who signed with the Yankees before the 2024 season, compiled a 10-9 record with a 4.31 ERA in 29 starts last year. Despite initially being projected for a bullpen role in 2025, the 34-year-old has maintained his stance on his preferred role.
“I’m a starter,” Stroman asserted during early spring training interviews.
Beyond Stroman, the Yankees have several pitchers who could fill potential gaps. Carlos Carrasco, a non-roster invitee, has shown promise this spring. Additionally, prospect Will Warren has impressed with his recent performances, positioning himself as a viable option should further needs arise.
Boone highlighted the importance of organizational depth, acknowledging that injuries are an inevitable part of the game. He emphasized the readiness of pitchers like Carrasco and Warren to step up when called upon.
Rehabilitation timeline
The recovery process for Gil represents a significant setback for a pitcher who was poised to build on his breakthrough 2024 campaign. After the initial six-week no-throw period, Gil will need to progress through a careful buildup that includes long tossing, bullpen sessions, and minor league rehabilitation starts.
“When you’re going to be six weeks without playing catch, you have to go through [the] process and then see what happens after that,” Gil explained, acknowledging the lengthy road ahead.
For Gil, this injury is particularly frustrating given his successful return from Tommy John surgery.
“Last year you end up putting together a good season and you find ways to help the team and contribute, so you end the season with that desire inside to keep doing that. So when you get news like this, it’s definitely not easy to swallow,” he said.
Depth options emerge
The injury creates opportunities for others in the Yankees’ system. Carlos Carrasco, a 38-year-old non-roster invitee, has impressed in spring training action. The 14-year veteran tossed 2⅔ scoreless innings in relief during Monday’s 12-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, despite issuing four walks.
Prospect Will Warren has also garnered attention with strong performances this spring. The 25-year-old right-hander, who posted a 3.61 ERA at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2024, could factor into the Yankees’ plans should additional rotation needs arise.
“We still feel like we have good depth,” Boone said. “How [Carlos] Carrasco has come in here and looked. What we believe Will Warren can be. Allan Winans threw well the other day. You know these things are gonna unfortunately come and pop up. They do this at different times of the year. Hopefully, overall, you can stay fairly healthy, but unfortunately, these things are inevitable and that’s why every team tries to build in some depth. We feel like we’re in a good spot with who we have. It’s part of it.”
Season outlook
The Yankees‘ rotation depth will be tested early as they navigate the season’s first two months without Gil. However, the Yankees remain optimistic about their pitching strength with Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner, anchoring the staff alongside new addition Fried.
The injury situation bears watching as the Yankees pursue their 28th World Series championship. The team begins regular season play on March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
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