ST. LOUIS — In a crucial 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night at Busch Stadium, two Yankees pitchers delivered exactly what the team needed at exactly the right time.
Luis Gil, making just his third start of the 2025 season after a five-month absence, showed flashes of the form that earned him American League Rookie of the Year honors last season. Meanwhile, David Bednar continued to prove his worth as the Yankees’ closer, shutting the door in the ninth inning to preserve the victory.
Gil’s encouraging Yankees return
Gil (1-1) allowed one run on four hits and three walks and had four strikeouts in his third start of the season. The 27-year-old right-hander worked efficiently through the Cardinals lineup.
Gil threw 83 pitches (50 strikes) over 5⅓ innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out four batters and walking three. His most impressive sequence came in the fifth inning when he escaped a bases-loaded, no-outs jam without allowing a run, inducing a popup, recording a strikeout, and getting a groundout.
The Dominican pitcher’s journey back to this moment began in late February when Gil had a spring bullpen session cut with tightness in his right side. He had an MRI exam the next day that revealed a high-grade lat strain.
Gil benefited tremendously from defensive support, with the Yankees turning three double plays in his first three innings. Gil faced 20 batters during his outing, generating four ground balls and no fly balls while keeping his pitch count manageable.
“No. 1 tonight, the defense,” Gil said through his interpreter. “That’s what really helped me out tonight and allowed me to get to the sixth inning.”
Trouble in the sixth
Gil’s night ended when trouble finally caught up to him in the sixth inning. Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn hit back-to-back doubles to right field in the bottom of the sixth inning to put the Cardinals on the scoreboard and chase Gil from the game.
The consecutive doubles represented the Cardinals’ first real breakthrough against Gil, who had largely controlled the game through five innings. The sequence highlighted both Gil’s ability to work deep into games and the need to continue building his stamina as he returns from injury.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Gil said through his interpreter after the game. “Trying to find a way to keep getting better each outing out there.”
The bigger picture
Gil’s performance offered hope that the Yankees have found another reliable starter for their playoff push. His outing Friday represented a significant step forward from his season debut against Miami, where he struggled with command and lasted just 3⅓ innings.
Luis Gil allowed two runs and six hits in 5⅓ innings, becoming the first Yankee starter to get an out in the sixth since July 30 in his previous start against Houston, showing steady improvement.
The former Rookie of the Year’s ability to work deep into games while maintaining his stuff could prove crucial as the Yankees fight for a playoff spot. In 2024, Gil posted a 15-7 record with a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts across 151.2 innings.
Bednar’s clutch closing
With the Yankees clinging to a 4-3 lead in the ninth inning, David Bednar took the mound in his highest-leverage situation since joining the team at the trade deadline. The former Pittsburgh Pirates closer responded with authority.
David Bednar pitched a scoreless ninth for his 19th save of the season and second for the Yankees. Bednar threw 15 pitches with 10 strikes, facing three batters in a perfect inning.
The 30-year-old right-hander struck out two batters in the frame, showcasing the closer mentality that made him attractive to the Yankees when they acquired him along with prospects Rafael Flores and Edgleen Perez from Pittsburgh.
Building trust and confidence
Bednar’s performance marked another step in earning the confidence of his new teammates and manager Aaron Boone. Since joining the Yankees, he has converted two of four save opportunities while adjusting to late-inning pressure in pinstripes.
Bednar struggled to open the season, even earning a demotion to Triple-A Indianapolis. Since his return, Bednar boasts a 1.84 ERA and a 35% strikeout rate.
His previous outing demonstrated his ability to handle extended save situations. Bednar worked overtime in his previous appearance, throwing 42 pitches over 1⅔ innings for his 18th save of the season and first as a Yankee, recording each of his five outs on a strikeout.
Bednar’s growing importance
For Bednar, each successful save opportunity builds his case as the Yankees’ closer of the present and future. His track record includes strong seasons in Pittsburgh, where he recorded 39 saves in 2023 and established himself as one of the National League’s more reliable closers.
Bednar is one of the most-added relief pitchers in ESPN standard leagues as frustrated fantasy managers move on from struggling Yankees closer Devin Williams.
The Yankees’ decision to acquire multiple relievers at the trade deadline, including Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird, reflected their recognition that late-inning performance would be crucial for any playoff success.
Playoff implications
Both pitchers represent key pieces in the Yankees’ playoff puzzle as they currently hold a 1½-game lead over Cleveland for the final American League wild-card spot while trailing Toronto by 6½ games in the AL East.
Gil’s continued development and health will be crucial for a rotation that has dealt with numerous injuries throughout the season. His ability to provide quality innings while building back to full strength offers the Yankees depth they desperately need.
Meanwhile, Bednar’s steady presence in save situations gives manager Aaron Boone confidence in late-inning scenarios. His successful Friday night performance continued to build the trust that will be essential in October baseball.
The combination of Gil’s starting depth and Bednar’s closing ability represents exactly what the Yankees envisioned when they made their respective acquisitions and investments in these pitchers’ futures.
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