Yankees right-hander Luis Gil exited his most recent minor league appearance when he grabbed his right arm and called for the trainer, and the ominous nature of that scene was reflected today when skipper Aaron Boone addressed the media. Boone told reporters that team physician Chris Ahmad had examined Gil, and while additional opinions were being sought, the injury looks to be “significant” (link via Bryan Hoch of MLB.com).
The 23-year-old Gil has only made one appearance with the Yankees so far in 2022, yielding four runs in four innings of work. However, he was an important late-season call-up in 2021, when he made six starts and totaled 29 1/3 innings of 3.07 ERA ball with 38 strikeouts. Gil’s 19 walks were far too many in such a short period, but for a 23-year-old rookie it was a nevertheless impressive debut.
The Yankees have had good health in their rotation so far, with each of Gerrit Cole, Jordan Montgomery, Luis Severino, Jameson Taillon and out-of-the-blue breakout Nestor Cortes Jr. holding up and throwing well. Domingo German is currently on the shelf owing to shoulder woes, but it’s been a generally healthy and effective year for the Yanks’ rotation, which ranks second in the Majors with a composite 2.99 ERA. Still, the ostensible loss of Gil robs the organization of perhaps its top depth option.
Then again, Gil has struggled mightily in Triple-A Scranton this year, logging a 7.89 ERA across six outings. He’s still missing bats at a high level (30.1% strikeout rate), but Gil has walked 14.6% of his opponents in Triple-A and yielded six homers in 21 2/3 frames (2.49 HR/9). The extent to which the current arm injury has fueled those poor results can’t be known — it’s possible he’d been pitching through pain before reaching a tipping point on that last offering — but it’s been a struggle for him this season, to say the least.
The Yankees will likely have further details on Gil’s status in the coming days, but the mere mention of “working through opinions” and a “significant” injury obviously suggests that he won’t be an option for the big league club anytime in the near future. With Gil sidelined, the top minor league depth options on the 40-man roster would be Deivi Garcia, JP Sears and Luis Medina. Garcia, once considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, had a dismal season in Triple-A last year and has allowed more runs than innings pitched so far in 2022. Sears has had a strong showing with Scranton, while Medina has struggled at the Double-A level.
A few hours ago, Hector Gomez tweeted that Gil will be getting TJS so I think it’s safe to say it’s official. Sad to see for a young pitcher with a lot of potential. Hopefully he has a successful recovery and contributes out of the Yankees bullpen next year
He’s probably out until May 2024
Recovery time is rarely that long unless there’s a couple setbacks along the way. I’d say there’s a good chance Gil will be pitching by July or August 2023, especially if he’s moved to the bullpen
It’s a year surgery recovery process. Most of these surgeries if you blew it once you will blow it out again.
Yanks2323 is more spot on. He’s not going to be back next year.
Fortunately, they have about a half dozen pitching prospects that I regard more highly, some much more highly. Keep them coming Yanks!
Wesneski and Waldichuk appear to be ready. Both have very good numbers at Scranton. Will be interesting to see if one of them is called up on Sunday for the doubleheader. Another possibility is JP Sears.
Neither of them are on the 40 man right now so highly unlikely. However, if Gil and Green are both transferred to the 60 day IL that should clear room for at least one of them to be added. Also Waldichuk just got promoted to AAA and has yet to make his debut. Wesneski has been there all year though so so he could be close to a big league promotion. I have a feeling that Wesneski will be traded though so he might be held down in Scranton
Thanks Ronk! It’s only a matter of time before Gil goes on 60 day DL with TJ surgery. More likely they recall Sears, but somewhere down the road and probably soon at least one of them will be called up.
What makes you think Wesneski will be traded! I still think there biggest need is for an outfielder.
Just a hunch with Wesneski given his age (25 later this year) and presumably being behind Waldichuk and Schmidt in the pecking order for a rotation spot. He’s a good pitcher but the Yankees have a lot of depth and Wesneski could be an attractive trade chip
Shocking, Boone. We didn’t realize TJS was a “significant injury.” Thanks, Captain Obvious!
I do give Boone credit this year because he is doing a better job with his in-game managing. I don’t know what changed – Cashman’s hands more in, more out, coaching help, whatever…. Boone’s handling the team better this year and it’s showing. That’s a lot coming from me because I didn’t think there was any hope for Boone – none, zero, zilch, zip.
Thankfully, Schmidt has recovered well and has been pitching well. King could probably start now, and has dominated too.
Let’s go Yankees!
Clipper,
I’m with you as usual. Got to give Boone some of the credit for their fast start. I have also been very critical of him and Cashman. With Gil having TJ surgery and Chad Green out for awhile it will be interesting to see how they both react. Wesneski and Waldichuk both have great numbers at Scranton. Will they call up one of them for Sunday’s doubleheader?
Neither is on the 40. I would expect Sears and Marinaccino to the bullpen and Schmidt starting. If they add to the 40 I would expect it to be one of the veterans, ManBan, McKay or Miller. They can be DFA’d without issue.
Thanks StudWinfield,
I expect that at least Gil will be added to the 60 day DL soon, hopefully, Chad Green’s injury is FAR less serious. I think one of Wesneski or Waldichuk will be added to the 40 man soon, but it’s certainly possible as you point out that they add one of the vet arms. I don’t think that would be their best move. Let’s see how some of the younger arms can do.
They also have Matt Krook, the former Rays pitcher.
TF happened to Deivi Garcia tho
Blake tried to simplify his mechanics after ’20 in an attempt to keep him as a starter and Garcia just didn’t adjust well. Instead of encouraging efficiency and control he lost his mojo for everything in his arsenal. The kid is certainly lost right now and its probably going to cost him his 40 spot.
Does anybody else get the disgusting toenail advertisement on this website?
No. That must be a special algorithm just for you.
Edited to add that I forgot I don’t get ads anymore. Pony up for a subscription you cheapskates!
I get car insurance and realty ads, guessing the algorithm knows I’m in my 20’s still lol
I was getting a lot of luggage ads because I always seem to be shopping for a bag or carry on of some sort. Big brother is always watching these days. I actually kind of like that the ads are tailored if I have to be dealing with them.
I get ads from Fantastic Sam’s for cut n color hair treatment. Too bad I’m bald.
It would actually be a genius/devious ploy by TradeRumors to poke at a person’s “blemishes” with pop up ads to get them to subscribe.
That must be why I get penile enlargement ads…
I do. Don’t really know what that means for me.
Oh boy, all my advertisements are for doctors
I get ads for penis reduction surgery even though I’m hung like a hamster
Out of the blue? Did this writer not watch Nestor Cortes last year? He wasnt as special last season but he was very very good
” out-of-the-blue breakout Nestor Cortes Jr.”?
Cortes was pretty solid last year. It was in the papers.
He did good last year, but nobody expected him to look like a Cy Young candidate so far.
There are Cy Young candidates after 7 starts? Hmm…
He’s looked the part is what I mean. Plus he was third in MLB’s Cy Young poll
Jake Sanford is the next Brett Gardner… he should be up soon.
How About A Trade,Right Now,Either With Detroit For Andrew Chafin & Alex Lange Or With Milwaukee For Devon Williams & Josh Hader,Who Would You Trade For Them,If You Do Not Want To Trade Away Anthony Volpe?