Luis Gil has been one of the big changes in the New York Yankees lineup this year. Albeit, he has been part of the Bronx Bombers since the Minnesota Twins traded him in 2018. But it took the hurler three years to get his big break in the major league. The NY side promoted Gil to the MLB in 2021. He was part of the bullpen for another three years. However, the journey of the right-handed pitcher has not been very smooth in the Major League. After debuting in MLB back in 2021, he had a terrible 2022 season due to injuries.
He only made one appearance for the NY Yankees in 2022. Later, Luis Gil had to undergo Tommy John surgery. As a result, he could not play the remaining 2022 season. Even in 2023, Gil began the season on the 60-day Injured List. Later, it turned out that he was not fit enough to appear in one major league game last year. Nevertheless, in 2024, things changed dramatically for the team and Luis Gil.
How Luis Gil Became A Solution For The Yankees?
Early in the current year, the Yankees’ ace pitcher, Gerrit Cole, suffered a severe elbow injury. The 2023 AL Cy Young winner had a nerve inflammation in his right elbow. Last year, the NY side had a terrible season, but it was the career-best season for Cole, their ace. Losing him early during the Spring Training was a big blow for the Yankees. As the replacement for the ace pitcher, the Yankees promoted Luis Gil to their starting rotation. It was a massive deal for the 25-year-old Dominican hurler. So far, he has lived up to his expectations. Gradually, Luis Gil is becoming a problem for the opponents of the NY side. The Yankees have found a solution in Gil to their problem of missing an ace pitcher.
On Sunday, Gerrit Cole’s replacement in the Yankees starting rotation kept up the good work. Luis Gil pitched six shutout innings at Tropicana Field on Sunday. He helped the Yankees win 10-6 against the Tampa Bay Rays. On April 26, Gil gave away five runs against the Milwaukee Brewers in five innings. Since then, he has allowed only one run in his previous 18 1/3 innings. Moreover, on Sunday, Gil did something that resembled Cole. The 25-year-old Dominican hurler became the first Yankee to pitch at least six innings and give up one or fewer runs in at least three consecutive starts since the reigning AL Cy Young winner in 2022.
Cole’s Replacement Impressed Aaron Boone As Well
According to The New York Post, the Yankees manager mentioned that the sluggers say a lot. Moreover, Boone believes Luis Gil’s stuff has been overwhelming the hitters a lot. The Yankees skipper pointed out that hitters find it hard to clip it even when they get good swings. Aaron Boone credits the young Dominican pitcher for doing things that are getting on the hitters.
He said it might be Gil’s mix of deception, velocity, and spin. Anyway, whatever it might be, it has been working for the hurler and his team. As per The Post, Luis Gil said that he wanted to thank God for giving him this opportunity to play for the Yankees and stay healthy. He also thanked the franchise and said, “It’s important to keep the focus and just keep working.”
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