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As the New York Yankees entered spring training, they seemed to have a surplus of starting pitchers for the upcoming 2025 season. However, injuries are quickly transforming what seemed like a luxury into a growing necessity.
Luis Gil's injury: a setback for the Yankees’ rotation
Right-handed pitcher Luis Gil, who was poised to be a key part of the Yankees' starting rotation, is now dealing with a shoulder issue. The 26-year-old, who was expected to compete for a rotation spot after a solid 2024 season, cut his Friday bullpen session short due to tightness in his right shoulder. The team has announced that Gil will undergo an MRI on Saturday to assess the extent of the injury. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed concern over Gil’s inability to complete his bullpen session, noting,
He just felt tight and wasn’t able to really let it go. Boone added, When a pitcher stops his bullpen, that’s concerning. But I also don’t want to get too far ahead. We’ll see what we have. But anytime they pull themselves from a bullpen a couple of pitches in, that’s concerning. Boone further revealed that the situation feels like something that’s going to cost us some time.
Rotation depth in question
The Yankees entered the season with a solid five-man rotation that included ace Gerrit Cole, free-agent addition Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Gil, and Clarke Schmidt. With this set rotation, veteran Marcus Stroman seemed to be squeezed out of a starting role, leading the Yankees to explore trade options over the offseason. However, Stroman’s hefty $18 million salary for 2025, along with a vesting option for 2026, seemed to deter other teams, and no trade materialized.
Now, with Gil potentially sidelined, Stroman could have an opportunity to fill a rotation spot. Other candidates include rookie Will Warren, who has impressed in spring training with five scoreless innings and seven strikeouts, as well as veteran Carlos Carrasco, who is currently in camp as a non-roster invitee.
Luis Gil’s promising 2024 season
Gil had an impressive 2024 season, finishing with a 3.50 ERA, a 15-7 record, and 171 strikeouts in 151 2/3 innings across 29 starts. His season was a strong comeback after missing all of 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery. He was able to seize an opportunity when an injury to Gerrit Cole in spring training last year opened a spot in the rotation.
Additional Pitching Concerns for the Yankees
The Yankees also received troubling news regarding another pitcher. J.T. Brubaker, who was hoping to contribute this season, was diagnosed with three fractured ribs after attempting to avoid a comebacker last week. The 31-year-old right-hander has missed the past two seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery and an oblique injury. Over his three MLB seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Brubaker has posted a career 4.99 ERA with 324 strikeouts in 315 2/3 innings.
