CHICAGO — The New York Yankees’ rotation outlook grew more complicated Sunday after Luis Gil turned in another uneven outing in a 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.
The reigning AL Rookie of the Year allowed two runs across 5⅓ innings. He struck out seven and walked two, keeping New York in the game but showing familiar command problems since his return from a long injury absence.
Gil has been managing his fastball differently in recent weeks. Instead of attacking with top-end velocity early, he has tried easing into games before building up as innings progress. That change, he admitted, is not his preference but a necessity.
“I think when you’re trying not to walk hitters, you put some [on] and you subtract some velo,” Gil said through an interpreter. “Overall, that’s been helping me to do what I want to do in the strike zone.”
The plan worked for stretches Sunday. Gil retired 10 consecutive batters before Colson Montgomery connected on a slider in the sixth, sending it out to center field for a solo home run that erased a 2-1 Yankees lead.
Yankees manager sees incremental progress
Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTAP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell
Manager Aaron Boone noted that Gil is still in the process of finding rhythm and consistency, but he emphasized positives from the outing.
“Still finding it a little bit,” Boone said. “Kind of a crafty performance where he’s trying to find his delivery, trying to be in the zone more. So he’s adding and subtracting a little bit with the fastball. Made a lot of good pitches, though, and for the most part limited the traffic.”
Gil has not completed six innings in any of his six starts since returning from a lat strain that kept him out the first four months of the season. His August numbers included a 2-1 record and 3.75 ERA over 24 innings, though consistency has remained elusive.
On Sunday, he threw 98 pitches, 63 for strikes, and allowed four hits overall. Two of those came on consecutive doubles in the second inning, which brought in Chicago’s first run.
“I’m feeling more comfortable, definitely,” Gil said. “Finding a better groove, attacking the zone, and every outing, I keep getting closer to where I was last year. That’s what we’re striving for.”
Another factor for the Yankees’ pitching staff emerged with Ryan Yarbrough’s pending return. Boone confirmed last week that the left-hander will be used out of the bullpen rather than rejoining the rotation.
Yarbrough has been sidelined since June 22 with a right oblique strain. Before the injury, he carried a 3.90 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across 55.1 innings in 16 appearances, including eight starts.
Ryan Yarbrough was IMMACULATE yet again tonight against the Angels, continuing his run of DOMINANCE in the Yankee rotation⚡️
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) May 27, 2025
He completed what Boone described as his final rehab outing Tuesday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Yarbrough threw 4.2 innings, gave up two earned runs, and struck out six.
“I haven’t seen him yet today, but good reports,” Boone said Wednesday. “I watched his first several hitters. He looked sharp.”
Rotation depth becomes critical factor
Placing Yarbrough in the bullpen reflects the Yankees’ roster needs. The team has only one left-handed reliever in Tim Hill, with Brent Headrick also unavailable on the injured list. Yarbrough’s flexibility could help stabilize the staff.
His ability to work multiple innings is valuable, especially with Paul Blackburn struggling in a similar role. Yarbrough had success both starting and relieving earlier in the season. In eight starts from May through June, he posted a 3.83 ERA across 40 innings. One rough outing against Boston skewed those results, but he held opponents to two runs or fewer in the other seven starts.
The move also raises questions about long-term rotation depth. Gil’s control issues have yet to be resolved, and the Yankees may need more reliable starting options as September pressure mounts.
September urgency mounts for contending Yankees
At 76-61, the Yankees remain in the playoff race but cannot afford extended inconsistency from their rotation. Gil’s development is pivotal to their postseason chances, as every game in September carries added weight.
The organization continues to show confidence in Gil by giving him opportunities to refine his approach. Boone’s comments reflect optimism that the right-hander can regain the sharp form that earned him Rookie of the Year honors in 2024.
“Hopefully we can just start to build where the command and control is there with the stuff following,” Boone said.
Whether that turnaround comes in time to stabilize the Yankees’ rotation could decide how far they go in October. For now, Gil’s adjustments and Yarbrough’s reassignment leave the Yankees facing more questions than answers as the final month of the season begins.
