The Yankees are proving that they can face challenges head on and overcome them. The first challenge of many has been the loss of their ace CY Young pitcher Gerrit Cole, moments before the 2024 season kicked off in late March. Each of the Yankee starters and their bullpen have responded in an impactful way. But no one could have guessed that their youngest starter, Luis Gil would have had the kind of performance he has had this season, most especially on Saturday as he threw 14-strikeouts breaking a previous rookie record held by the beloved El Duque and dominating the Chicago White Sox in a 6-1 win. Yes, Luis Gil is better than ever! And the Yankees team are better for it but what happens next?
"Gil allowed just one run on five hits and a walk. He generated a game-high 22 swinging strikes, including 12 on his four-seam fastball and seven on his changeup. Gil's heater averaged 96.9 mph on the afternoon and maxed out at 99.7 mph," reported CBS Sports. "The Yankees' rookie record previously belonged to Orlando Hernández, who struck out 13 batters in August 1998 against the Texas Rangers. Hernández, known as "El Duque", coincidentally threw out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of Saturday's contest."
If that is not ironic enough, it has been Cole who Gil affectionately calls "Professor Cole" who has been the pitcher whisper, holding class with Gil and the other Yankee pitchers, providing insight into their craft and coaching to support improvement. Cole has been impactful for the Yankee pitchers who have been mostly untouchable the team's 31-15 record but hopefully he will be impactful from the mound in the coming weeks.
Before Saturday's game, Cole threw off the mound and is expected to throw to live batters as early as next week. But what does that mean for the rotation? And who will need to step out of the rotation as result?
"The obvious candidate for a demotion is 26-year-old Luis Gil, who simply has less experience than his peers. This is Gil's first season with meaningful reps and a consistent role. Unfortunately, that could come to an end in a few weeks when Cole returns. If pulled from the starting crew, Gil would either transition into a long relief role or go back to Triple-A Scranton," reported Fansided.
Gil has rebounded from injuries, exceeded expectations and has been the Yankees second best pitcher this season, with a 2.51 ERA before Saturday's stellar performance. To lose him would be a tragedy, but how will the decisions the Yankee pitching staff make in the coming weeks impact his player development? What is best for Gil in the long run?
Honestly, I think Gil should stay in the rotation, but I know that the Yankees will likely favor the veterans over him due to their experience. So, in the long run, sending him down to continue to develop is likely best from Gil. I wish we could do a 6-man rotation- something that is not utilized much but giving Cole an extra few days off between starts would not be a bad thing to do given his delicate injury.
It will be an interesting decision that the Yankees will be making sooner rather than later. But for now, let's celebrate Luis Gil and all he has done to give the Yankees their best start in years.
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--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof
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