Key Takeaways:
* Rookie Luis Gil’s impressive performance for the New York Yankees may not guarantee his spot in the starting rotation when Gerrit Cole returns.
* Despite a stellar ERA and leadership in strikeouts, Gil might be relegated to the bullpen or minor leagues.
* Nestor Cortes seems a likelier candidate for downsizing based on performances, but New York Yankees could take a cautious approach with Gil.
* Gerrit Cole’s return remains uncertain, necessitating a flexible approach to team composition.
The Surprising Rise of Luis Gil Amid Yankees’ Momentum
The New York Yankees, powered by players like Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton, have achieved the second-most wins in MLB. While the batting squad has received much acclaim, the team’s most surprising strength has slowly emerged from their rotations, given the absence of franchise ace Gerrit Cole. With Cole sidelined due to injury, the Yankees managed to boast an impressive 2.81 ERA, the best in major leagues.
Amongst the stellar performers, Luis Gil, a rookie pitcher, has shaken up the mound. He set a new franchise record, previously held by Orlando Hernandez, for the highest number of strikeouts by a rookie, leaving the crowd awestruck with 14 at his latest outing.
Debating Gil’s Position with Cole’s Return
As Cole readies himself for a return, a decision regarding the team’s rotation awaits Manager Aaron Boone. According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, Boone will need to resolve who will be relegated to the bullpen once Cole hits the field.
Despite Gil’s extraordinary start, his continued placement in the starting rotation isn’t assured. His workload will be monitored closely without a traditional innings limit, making him a possible contender to lose his starting position.
NY Yankees’ Cautious Approach to Luis Gil
Gil holds the top spot in the team for strikeouts, opposing batting average, and ERA for the season. However, due to his 2023 absence following Tommy John surgery, he only boasts a career total of 33.1 innings pitched.
Max Goodman of NJ.com pointed out the team’s concern, noting that the Yankees are assessing how the 25-year-old copes with pitching every five days. Preserving Gil’s health as the playoffs approach may involve moving him to the bullpen or demoting him to the minor leagues. This approach would limit his innings and prolong his future with the team.
Considering Other Candidates for Relegation
On the basis of performance statistics, Nestor Cortes may seem a more logical choice for relegation. With a 3.56 ERA and only two wins in 10 starts, Cortes’ statistics fail to meet Gil’s astounding numbers.
Potentially, the team could keep Cortes in the rotation if they believe they can still secure wins with him, which would allow them to take a long-term, conservative stance with Gil.
The Complexities of Gerrit Cole’s Return
However, the New York Yankees still have some time before Cole’s return. The seasoned player, who has recently commenced bullpen sessions, isn’t expected back until late May at the earliest. A mid-June return seems most likely, after completing a rehab assignment of facing live batters.
This leaves the team with possible unforeseen changes until then. As Goodman reminds us, the threat of injuries always looms large, with Cortes, Carlos Rodón, and Marcus Stroman all having previous injury histories.
Predicting the exact composition of the NY Yankees readying for a playoff run is contingent on player health, impending returns, and strategic long-term decisions – none of which is set in stone.