The Yankees made their first round of cuts to their spring training roster on Sunday, following a 7-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers. All four players sent down were right-handed pitchers.

Luis Gil and Yoendrys Gomez were optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Both pitchers will likely see regular playing time there throughout the minor league season. Top pitching prospect Chase Hampton and Art Warren were also sent back to the minor league camp.

Prior to today’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Optioned RHP Luis Gil and RHP Yoendrys Gómez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
• Reassigned RHP Chase Hampton and RHP Art Warren to minor league camp.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 3, 2024

Following today’s game, the Yankees reassigned C Josh Breaux, C Ben Rice and RHP Joey Gerber to minor league camp.

Additionally, the Yankees outrighted INF Jordan Groshans off the Major League roster and onto the roster of Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 3, 2024

Yankees trim Luis Gill from MLB roster

Following Tommy John surgery nearly two years ago, Yankees pitcher Luis Gil has been throwing bullpen sessions under the watchful eye of team personnel. These sessions revealed a familiar picture, mirroring observations made in 2022 and 2023.

The good news: Gil’s fastball velocity remains impressive, a positive sign for his recovery. However, there’s still work to be done. Gil continues to battle with pitch control, struggling to consistently locate his pitches in the desired zones.

While regaining velocity is crucial post-surgery, mastering control will be equally important for Gil’s success upon his return to the mound.

Luis-Gil-new-york-yankees — X-@DugoutStation

Earlier in spring training, Gil had actually gotten the start in the Yankees’ very first Grapefruit League game on February 24th. He pitched two innings against the Tigers in Lakeland, Florida, allowing two runs on one hit and two walks, but also striking out three batters in the 22-10 victory.

Gil stated that he feels “really healthy” and emphasized that he has always worked on commanding the strike zone, which remains a continuous focus for him. He added that whenever he gets the chance, that’s what he wants to concentrate on.

Despite flashes of potential, control issues have hampered his progress. In his limited opportunities (seven major league appearances – six in 2022, one in 2023), Gil has compiled a respectable 3.78 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 33.1 innings pitched. However, a concerning 21 walks highlight the need for improved command.

Yankees top prospect arm Chase Hampton back to minors

Top prospect Chase Hampton also received a minor league assignment. He impressed in his lone spring outing, tossing a scoreless inning with a strikeout despite allowing a hit and a walk. Hampton is projected to begin the season where he finished 2023 – at Double-A. Last year, he showcased his potential with a strong start, recording a 2.69 ERA over nine starts with Hudson Valley before transitioning to Somerset, where his ERA rose to 4.37 across 11 starts.

Art Warren and Yoendrys Gomez, the other two pitchers reassigned, will likely see regular playing time at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre throughout the minor league season.

Yoendrys-Gomez-new-york-yankees — X-@nypost

Gomez, rated as the Yankees’ 23rd prospect by MLB Pipeline, surrendered two runs in two-thirds of an inning during his lone Grapefruit League appearance. The 24-year-old from Venezuela received a call-up from Double-A last September and impressed by delivering two scoreless innings of relief in his inaugural (and only) MLB game.