Following a wildcard series where the Yankees received solid performances from their starting pitchers, Lewis Gill couldn’t maintain that momentum in Game 1 of the ALDS.
He lasted less than three innings, allowing home runs to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk during the second inning, putting the Yankees down 2-0 early at Rogers Center.
“I sense some good swings are starting to connect,” commented Aaron Boone about the decision made during the broadcast. “We were getting into the middle of the order… It’s a tough choice, particularly with a talented pitcher like Lewis.”
Despite a fast start last season that earned him the American League Rookie of the Year, Gill’s first game of 2025 didn’t come until August 3, due to left arm tension he experienced in spring training.
This delay shifted his debut to something akin to a deadline trade. In his 11 starts since then, he has shown promise with an ERA of 3.32, but has occasionally struggled with his control.
During the Wild Card Series, Gill managed not to walk any batters, yet in Game 1 against the Blue Jays, Guerrero launched a 367-foot changeup over the left-field fence with two outs, followed by Kirk hitting a 392-foot home run in the same region.
Tim Hill stepped in, throwing 48 pitches and wrapping up Gill’s disappointing outing. With the Yankees in need of a fourth postseason starter to kick off the ALDS, Gill’s performance fell short of expectations.
