The New York Yankees’ starting rotation is currently ruled by a rookie, Luis Gil. The right-hander, with minimal major league experience, has outclassed all his superior colleagues to come out as an All-Star contender. However, with the evolving landscape of the roster, Yanks are expected to change plans for Gil.
Reigning AL CY Young pitcher Gerrit Cole is on the cusp of return from an elbow injury. While Cole will momentarily replace injured Clarke Schmidt on the rotation, Luis Gil’s long-term place in the rotation is not secured. Amid this, Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake dropped his hot take on Gil’s evolving situation.
Luis Gil To Continue In Yankees Starting Rotation Despite Workload Concerns
The New York Yankees have found a gem in rookie Luis Gil as he filled the giant shoes of ace Gerrit Cole in the starting rotation this year. Gil is currently the best Yankee starter in the league and is making a strong case for himself to be elected as the AL starter for the All-Star game. However, with Clarke Schmidt and Cole recovering from respective injuries, the pitching depth is getting overcrowded. And Gil is a soft target for demotion due to his concerning health history. The rookie has had surgery on his elbow as well as shoulder in the past couple of years. He is playing as a full-time starter for the first time in his professional baseball career.
Hence, fans are concerned about Luis Gil potentially wearing out with the 162-game grind. That being said, Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake weighed his thoughts on the debate and revealed that a potential workload management plan is not on the cards for Gil momentarily. Blake not only ruled out chances of cutting down on innings but also rejected the speculations of a probable demotion to the bullpen.
Matt Blake added that Luis Gil is in the form of his life, and decisions on workload management cannot be taken overnight. The franchise needs to carefully evaluate his fatigue outside of the game as well. Hence, even after Gerrit Cole makes a comeback into the rotation potentially by the end of the month, Gil will retain his place in the five-man rotation. Gil has been Yank X factor this year, and they simply cannot afford to jeopardize his rhythm.
Luis Gil Keeping His Toe Grounded Amid All-Star Conversations
The chatter around the major league is that New York Yankees rookie Luis Gil could be a potential All-Star starter for the American League team. He has a 2.04 ERA and 90 strikeouts across 13 starts with an 8-1 win-loss record. While Gil surely deserves to be on the All-Star team, the right-hander is keeping his feet grounded.
“I wouldn’t be disappointed, but if I’m able to participate, then I’ll be excited,” Luis Gil said on his All-Star chances. The rookie starter is focused on putting on a great show to boost the Yankees’ postseason qualification chances. The rest is just a bonus for Gil. “Either way, it’s not gonna affect me,” Gil added.
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