The New York Yankees were in deep trouble when Gerrit Cole hurt his right elbow during the Spring Training. Last year was so horrible for the 27-time World Series champions. They failed to make the postseason for the first time since 2016. Moreover, the NY side finished fourth in the American League East with an awful 82-80 record. On top of that, they had too many injury issues to deal with. Adding to that, the Bronx Bombers had the second-worst batting average in the league. They were only better than the nine-time champions, the Oakland Athletics. Clearly, the Yankees had the worst season in their last 30 years.
However, even during that darkness, the only bright side for the Bronx Bombers was the career-best performance of Gerrit Cole. Hence, when the New York side was looking for redemption in the new season, they needed their ace pitcher to be at his finest. But things did not go as planned because the 2023 AL Cy Young winner suffered a right elbow inflammation and got his place on the 60-day Injured List. However, it has been a miracle that without Cole, the Yankees have enjoyed a great start so far. But the main reason for that has been his replacement, Luis Gil, who has had some great starts to this regular season.
Now, Will The Yankees Move Luis Gil To The Bullpen When Gerrit Cole Will Return?
Right before the Opening Day, the Yankees confirmed that Gerrit Cole will miss one to two months of game time owing to nerve inflammation in his right elbow. It scared the fans because Cole is their ace pitcher who is coming off a great season on a personal note. But the way the 25-year-old Dominican hurler took the responsibility has been quite commendable. However, NJ.com’s Randy Miller said the Yankees will relegate Luis Gil to a reliever role when Gerrit Cole comes back. So far, Gil had eight starts. Moreover, he managed to maintain a 2.51 ERA. Hence, the Dominican hurler has been the best starting pitcher for the Yankees so far.
Moreover, the Bronx Bombers currently rank 2nd in the major league this season in terms of ERA. Adding to that, the Yankees also rank fourth for opposing batting average and 2nd for wins. For this great start without Cole, the credit goes to the 25-year-old RHP, who came off a pretty strong preseason. However, Randy Miller predicts the Yankees will move Gil to the bullpen when Cole returns and there would be five starters. Miller says, “Someone has to lose his spot, and it may not be Nestor Cortes.” Hence, Luis Gil will lose his spot in the starting rotation. Adding to that, Miller said, then, Gil will get to pitch “Around 100 innings tops.”
Durability Might Be An Issue For The RHP
NJ.com’s Randy Miller said Luis Gil may have the best stuff so far in the five-man rotation at present and has been filling in for Gerrit Cole. But he does not have the most experience, and he can be wild. Hence, the Yankees can use him as an option. Moreover, he also had Tommy John surgery in 2022.
As a result, he missed the rest of the 2022 season and the whole of 2023. Hence, 2024 should be his first full season after surgery. For 30 starts, Miller said, Gill might average five innings, adding up to 150. In 2019, he pitched a career-high 96. Hence, the NJ.com beat writer said, clearly the Yankees won’t allow Gil to do that.
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