The New York Yankees found themselves in a grave spot after ace starter Gerrit Cole went down for 10-12 weeks with an elbow nerve inflammation injury. Shortly after his spring debut, Cole felt something was wrong and underwent multiple tests, only to learn that he would have to start the season on IL.
Having said that, in Gerrit Cole’s absence, the New York Yankees launched a hunt for a fifth starter to fill rotation gaps. After exhausting external free agency options, the team reached a consensus on an in-house talent who registered a stellar spring season without any innings limitation.
Luis Gill To Start As Fifth Starter For Yankees Amid Gerrit Cole’s Absence!
Luis Gil’s meteoric rise through the New York Yankees organization culminated in him securing the coveted fifth starter’s spot in the team’s rotation. After Gerrit Cole’s elbow injury, the team was desperate for an immediate replacement. And the hunt stopped at Gil. While Will Warren and Cody Poteet were equally front runners in the race, Aaron Boone chose to go ahead with Gil. Notably, the pitcher had been throwing without any innings limitations for the last few weeks. Moreover, this spring, he pitched a 2.87 ERA across five games, including three starts, and struck out 23 hitters in the process. While Gil’s rotation spot could be temporary, it provided the pitcher an opportunity to showcase his potential and put him in contention for the future.
Meanwhile, Luis Gil’s journey to the big leagues has been nothing short of remarkable. Signed as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2015, Gil steadily climbed through the Yankees’ minor league system. He dominated at the Triple-A level and accordingly earned a chance to feature in spring training as a non-roster invitee. Moreover, entering spring, Gil faced stiff competition for the fifth starter’s spot. With the likes of Warren and Poteet breathing down his throat, Gil backed his strength and gave his everything to earn the prized spot. That being said, Gil’s debut hasn’t been scheduled yet. While the team departed for Houston this weekend, it’s unclear if Luis will get a game in the opening series. Regardless, it is a moment of pure euphoria for Luis Gil, who has a big responsibility on his shoulders to fill Cole’s void.
DJ LeMahieu To Begin Season On IL
In what will go down as a significant setback, New York Yankees will miss the services the veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu on opening day matchup against Houston Astros. LeMahieu sustained foot injury earlier this month. Moreover, despite precautionary rest and careful rehabilitation, the veteran failed to recover.
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed DJ LeMahieu will start the season on IL. Moreover, a return timeline is still uncertain as DJ continues to heal from the foot that has troubled him throughout his career. In his absence, utility player Oswaldo Cabrera will likely keep third base. While Cabrera is initially slated to be the backup shortstop, until DJ gets fit, he will play as a third baseman.
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