A second MRI has confirmed that New York Yankees reigning American League Rookie of the Year, Luis Gil, will be sidelined for six weeks due to a high-grade lat strain. The Yankees are already dealing with injuries to slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who is experiencing elbow pain, and DJ LeMahieu, who is dealing with a calf strain. Both are expected to start the season on the injured list and are anticipated to return by April. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman projects that Gil could return to the rotation in about three months.
Yankees’ Luis Gil Sidelined for Six Weeks with Lat Strain
When it comes to the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year, he’s played a vital role in boosting the Yankees’ starting rotation. This means his injury blow impacts the formidable depth that he offers to the rotation. But his absence opens up a spot in the rotation for Marcus Stroman. Stroman was asked at the beginning of camp if he would consider a spot in the bullpen. But the 33-year-old was not willing. MLB’s Bryan Hoch claimed that Stroman denied the role, stating: “I’m a starter. I won’t pitch in the bullpen. I’m a starter.”
Gil’s Anticipated Return
The Yankees hope that 26-year-old Gil will return to the lineup in June. Gil was experiencing discomfort and tightness in his shoulder on Friday, February 28th, when he threw a bullpen session. This then led to his first MRI, which took place on the weekend. The MRI determined he had a strain, but Boone felt it necessary to assess the injury further. This is when he had a second MRI, confirming the initial diagnosis of a lat strain. Cashman went into detail regarding his anticipated return and the next steps involved. According to Yahoo Sports, Cashman stated:
“As long as we handle it right, we’ll get him back sometime in the summer,” Cashman said. “But he’s going to be down for a long time, obviously. Being a starter, he’s got six weeks minimum of no throw, and obviously, it could be longer if it takes longer. They’ll reimage and re-MRI it and see where he’s at during that rest period.”
The Yankees will begin the regular season at Yankee Stadium against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 27th. With Gil’s absence, Boone has other windows of opportunity that he can turn to in terms of pitching depth. Aside from Stroman, Will Warren and Carlos Carrasco have a chance to earn a spot in the rotation. But Stroman is likely the top candidate to earn the fifth spot in the rotation, considering he has the upper hand with MLB experience.
Main Photo Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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