Yankees rotation takes a hit: Luis Gil’s shoulder injury adds to spring concerns

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Yankees right-hander Luis Gil experienced shoulder tightness during a bullpen session on Friday, prompting the team to schedule an MRI for further evaluation. Manager Aaron Boone relayed the news to reporters, including Greg Joyce of the New York Post, and while details remain scarce, the need for imaging suggests at least some level of concern within the organization.

Injury concerns for Luis Gil and Brubaker

This development is particularly troubling given Luis Gil’s recent history. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, he missed nearly two full seasons before returning to the Yankees’ rotation in 2024. Despite the lengthy recovery period, he delivered an impressive campaign, making 29 starts and logging 151 2/3 innings. His 3.50 ERA and 26.8% strikeout rate helped him secure the American League Rookie of the Year award, even as he battled occasional control issues, evidenced by his 12.1% walk rate. The Yankees were counting on him to be a key piece of their rotation again in 2025, but now his status for Opening Day is uncertain.

Adding to the Yankees’ injury concerns, Boone also revealed that right-hander JT Brubaker fractured three ribs last week while attempting to avoid a comebacker. Brubaker, who was acquired from the Pirates last offseason, has yet to pitch for the Yankees. He spent 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery and was delayed further by an oblique strain that kept him on the injured list for the entire season. Prior to surgery, Brubaker pitched to a 4.99 ERA over 315 2/3 innings with Pittsburgh from 2020 to 2022. The Yankees had hoped he could contribute in 2025, but this latest setback complicates those plans.

Yankees’ rotation depth

With both Luis Gil and Brubaker potentially sidelined, the Yankees’ pitching depth is already being tested. However, their rotation remains in relatively strong shape. Even before these injuries, the team had been exploring trade options for Marcus Stroman, who signed a two-year, $37 million contract this offseason. No deal has materialized yet, and Stroman has been stretched out as a starter in camp, meaning he could seamlessly slide into the rotation alongside Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt if needed.

Beyond the expected rotation, the Yankees still have options. Yoendrys Gómez, who is out of minor league options, was already facing an uphill battle to secure a roster spot, but Gil and Brubaker’s uncertain statuses could open the door for him. Will Warren and Brent Headrick, both on the 40-man roster, are also in the mix. Additionally, veteran Carlos Carrasco is in camp as a non-roster invitee, providing further depth.

Yankees hope for positive MRI results

Ideally, Luis Gil’s MRI will reveal nothing serious, and he’ll only require a brief period of rest. However, any extended absence would force the Yankees to adjust their rotation plans, which could impact their trade discussions involving Stroman. With Chase Hampton already out for the season due to Tommy John surgery, further injuries would stretch their depth thin before Opening Day.

Meanwhile, the Yankees’ rotation is starting to take shape for Spring Training games. Boone announced that Max Fried will make his Yankees debut on Monday against the Pirates, following Gerrit Cole’s start against the Blue Jays. Rodón has already made two spring appearances, while Schmidt is progressing well from a back issue and could pitch in a game soon.

Max Fried set for Yankees debut

The Yankees aggressively pursued Fried in free agency, signing the left-hander to an eight-year, $218 million deal. Fried, widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in baseball from 2020-2024, brings a dominant track record to the Bronx. While Spring Training outings don’t carry much weight for established pitchers, the Yankees hope to fine-tune his arsenal under pitching coach Matt Blake’s guidance. They’ve had success improving pitchers’ changeups in recent years, and Fried has already begun using his more frequently. His sweeper also gained effectiveness late last season, and the Yankees are eager to see if he can build on that.

Yankees’ rotation faces early challenges

As for Luis Gil, his injury is the most concerning development for the Yankees’ rotation, but it’s not the only health issue they’re dealing with. In addition to Brubaker’s fractured ribs, relievers Jake Cousins (forearm strain) and Scott Effross (hamstring) are also banged up. The team will have to monitor these situations closely as they prepare for the season.

If Luis Gil is forced to miss time, Stroman remains the most logical candidate to fill his spot. The 32-year-old has made it clear that he views himself as a starter, despite rumors that he could be shifted to the bullpen. With the season opener less than a month away, the Yankees will need to make rotation decisions soon.

Ultimately, the team’s hope is that Luis Gil’s MRI results are favorable and that he can resume throwing without issue. But given his history of elbow surgery and the significant jump in innings he made last year, the Yankees are wise to proceed with caution. They’ve built a deep pitching staff for situations like this, but as always, injuries have a way of testing a team’s depth sooner than expected.

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