The Yankees’ starting rotation faced its first injury scare of the spring on Friday when reigning Rookie of the Year Luis Gil experienced tightness near his right shoulder during a bullpen session at camp. Manager Aaron Boone revealed that Gil was immediately shut down from throwing and will undergo an MRI on Saturday afternoon, with the team expecting a definitive update on his status by Monday.
“When a pitcher stops his bullpen, that’s concerning,” Boone told reporters before Friday night’s game against the Blue Jays. “I don’t want to get too far ahead, but anytime they pull themselves from a bullpen a few pitches in, it’s worrisome.” Boone clarified that Gil’s elbow, which had previously required Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for much of 2022 and 2023, is not an issue this time.
If Gil’s injury proves significant, it could open the door for Marcus Stroman to rejoin the starting rotation. Stroman, who had been the sixth starter on the Yankees’ depth chart following the signing of Max Fried in free agency, has been the subject of trade rumors due to his $18 million salary. However, he remains a viable option should the Yankees need to fill a rotation spot.
Gil was a standout in 2024, posting a 3.50 ERA over 29 starts with 171 strikeouts and setting a career-high with 151 2/3 innings pitched. Losing him for any length of time would be a significant blow to a rotation that entered camp as one of the best in baseball. “Hopefully it’s not something too serious, but it feels like something that could cost us some time,” Boone said, expressing cautious concern.
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