MINNEAPOLIS — Luis Gil’s push for a key spot in the Yankees’ postseason rotation took a step backward on Wednesday night in Minneapolis. The right-hander labored through 4.2 innings in New York’s 10-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins, giving up five runs on nine hits in a performance that clouded his October outlook.
The outing came at a pivotal time, with the Yankees (85-67) inching closer to clinching a playoff berth. Gil had positioned himself as a top contender for the third starter role behind Max Fried and Carlos Rodón. But his struggles on Wednesday raised questions about whether he is ready to handle postseason pressure.
Struggles mount in Minnesota showcase
Luis Gil entered the game riding momentum from his previous start, where he threw six no-hit innings against the Red Sox. That dominance did not carry over to Target Field.
The reigning American League Rookie of the Year allowed a season-high nine hits, walked two, and struck out only two. His evening unraveled in the fifth inning. With two outs and a 7-2 lead, Gil surrendered back-to-back singles, then walked a batter to load the bases. He followed that with a two-run single that cut the Yankees’ lead to 7-5.
Manager Aaron Boone made the call to the bullpen, ending Gil’s night at 86 pitches. His final line did little to boost his playoff résumé.
“You’ve got to give them credit, they were able to make some good contact on some good pitches,” Gil said through Yankees interpreter Marlon Abreu. “Definitely wanted to get that one there to get us out of that inning.”
Battle for playoff rotation intensifies
Gil’s uneven performance reflects the broader uncertainty facing the Yankees as they evaluate their postseason rotation. With Fried and Rodón locked into the top two spots, the third starter role remains up for grabs. Gil, Cam Schlittler, and Will Warren are all vying for the job.
No candidate has pulled ahead. On Tuesday, Schlittler allowed four runs on three hits and five walks in 4.2 innings against the Twins. Warren’s last outing was marred by a six-run first inning against Boston, though he managed to complete five innings.
“Performance matters,” Boone said before Wednesday’s game. “They’re each going to have a few more here, so hopefully they kind of put us in a tough situation based on them performing well.”
Boone’s remarks reflect the open nature of the competition. With just 10 regular-season games remaining, opportunities are limited.
Early struggles plague promising start
Gil’s issues began in the second inning. After allowing two singles and issuing a walk, he committed a throwing error on a pickoff attempt. The mistake led to two Minnesota runs and exposed some of the control problems that have resurfaced since his return.
In contrast to his previous outing against Boston—where he battled through four walks, two wild pitches, and a balk without surrendering a hit—Gil couldn’t overcome mistakes this time. Minnesota made consistent contact, posting nine hits against a pitcher who had kept opposing bats quiet in recent weeks.
“I felt stronger and more under command tonight, especially with the fastball,” Gil said. Despite his statement, the results pointed to inconsistencies.
Injury-shortened season affects rhythm
Gil’s inconsistency may be partly due to his long absence earlier in the season. The 26-year-old missed the first 111 games with a high-grade right lat strain. He returned to action on August 3.
Since then, he had put together seven strong starts, allowing two or fewer earned runs in each. That run highlighted the promise that earned him Rookie of the Year honors in 2024. However, his limited innings may have affected his ability to build stamina and rhythm.
Wednesday’s performance reminded the Yankees that relying on Gil in October could carry risk. His ERA rose to 3.33 after the outing, still solid but not without concern.
Yankees offense masks pitching concerns
Despite Gil’s rough start, the Yankees’ offense once again delivered. Trent Grisham homered twice, raising his season total to 33 and continuing a breakout campaign. Aaron Judge stayed hot with three hits, lifting his average to .329 and maintaining his place atop the major league OPS leaderboard.
The Yankees reached double digits in runs for the second straight game. Cody Bellinger added a two-run homer in the ninth, helping seal the victory.
“A really, really deep team,” Bellinger said. “We come in here for a purpose, trying to win every ballgame, and right now we’re playing well and trying to keep it rolling.”
Postseason implications grow clearer
With the win, the Yankees remain two games ahead of Seattle and Boston for the top American League wild-card spot. That cushion gives them some breathing room but also heightens the importance of settling their pitching rotation before October.
In a best-of-three wild-card series, the Game 3 starter could play a pivotal role. Gil’s performance did little to set himself apart from Schlittler or Warren.
Boone acknowledged the challenge Gil faced against a tough Minnesota lineup. “They made it tough on Louie tonight,” the manager said.
Gil’s final regular season starts may determine whether he’s handed the ball in October or shifted to a bullpen role. The Yankees still believe in his upside. But as Wednesday showed, belief alone won’t win playoff games. Performance will decide who earns that spot.
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