The New York Yankees head into a five-day break after earning a bye for the ALDS following the AL-East division victory. Their opponent will be decided this week as the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals battle it out in the wild card series. In the meantime, the Yanks’ preparations are in full swing.
For starters, the New York Yankees have to fixate an ideal starting pitching rotation which consists of an overflowing depth at the moment. While Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon appear favourite choices, Yankee podcasters Jomboy and Jake made a strong case for a rookie pitcher who’s playing his first full season as a starter this year.
Luis Gil Deserves To Start In ALDS, Says Jake Storiale
As the New York Yankees prepare for the ALDS, podcasters, and analysts are making a compelling case for Luis Gil to earn a start in the postseason. Gil, who has shown flashes of brilliance during his first full season as a starter this year, could provide the rotation with the depth it needs in the playoffs, especially given the uncertainties surrounding the team’s other starters. Ace Gerrit Cole and veteran Carlos Rodon are more or less confirmed to start in Game 1 and Game 2. And Talkin Yanks podcast host Jake Storiale believes Gil deserves a shot to pitch in the playoffs, irrespective of how good Clarke Schmidt has been.
Across 29 starts this year, Luis Gil has posted a 3.50 ERA with 171 strikeouts in 151.1 innings pitched. He possesses a fastball that can reach the upper 90s, complemented by a devastating slider that has proven difficult for hitters to handle. While he tends to be shaky at times early into his start, once Gil is locked in, he can get 12 strikeouts without breaking a sweat, says Jake. He also argued that while the New York Yankees have experienced starters like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, Gil’s ability to miss bats and his youthful energy could give the team an edge. Additionally, the decision to include Gil in the ALDS roster aligns with their strategy to manage the innings of veteran pitchers, ensuring they remain fresh for the crucial moments of the playoffs.
Yankees Might Get Key Reliever Healed In Time For Playoffs
With the regular season behind them and a first-round bye secured, the New York Yankees are enjoying some extra rest that could facilitate the timely return of a key reliever for the ALDS. Right-hander Jake Cousins, currently on the 15-day injured list due to a strained right pec, is optimistic about his recovery. “I feel really good,” Cousins said after playing catch during the weekend.
He is set to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday and face live hitters on Thursday, which could clear him for activation in time for Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday, provided all goes well. Notably, acquired from the White Sox in March, Cousins has become a valuable bullpen asset for the Yankees. In 37 appearances this season, he posted a 2.37 ERA, striking out 53 batters in 38 innings.
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