CLEVELAND — Lewis Gil spent most of the season as one of the top right-handed starters in the majors.
He has spent nearly three weeks as a spectator, making his last appearance on September 28th.
Gill will return to action on Friday and is scheduled to start Game 4 of the ALCS against the Guardians.
“Pitching content and emotion after a layoff like that is always a concern,” pitching coach Matt Blake said before Thursday's epic Game 3, 10-inning, 7-5 loss at Progressive Field. Ta. “Now you're going to be in a spot like that, pitching in the first game of the playoffs, which is tough. We feel like he's in a good frame of mind.”
Gill pitched a four-inning mock game at Yankee Stadium on Sunday in conjunction with Friday's trip.
Coach Blake said the right-hander was “sharp” in the 65-pitch session, but there is still uncertainty as to whether he will handle a hostile playoff environment.
Gerrit Cole said he has been following Gil throughout his rookie season, but didn't want to overload the 26-year-old with information, especially since Gill pitched well for most of the year.
The Yankees ace talked about the long layoff between road trips and said Blake believes Gill has a good idea about not pitching in the ALDS.
“I think he understood the dynamics of it being a short series and being in the bullpen and not in the rotation,” Blake said. “We wanted him to focus on his current role and his future, and look to get his next start.” [Friday’s]”
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“I'm proud of the way we were able to put the season together,” Gill said Thursday through an interpreter.
He is 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA, better than Cleveland's Friday starting pitcher Gavin Williams (3-10, 4.86 ERA), Game 1 starter Alex Cobb, or Game 3 starter Matt Boyd. This is certainly a good season.
So, with Gil on reserve and no bullpen action on the horizon, the Yankees will have a decided advantage when it comes to the most important aspects of the game.
As the team looks to win its first World Series since 2009, Aaron Boone talked about the depth of starting pitching that was lacking among most of the teams remaining in the playoffs.
“I think that's probably what differentiates us a little bit now that the team is gone,” Boone said of his starting pitching. “Because we're going to throw four very good starters at you guys and we feel like they have a chance to get us deep into the game and hopefully set us up to use our pen even better. It’s from.”
He also noted that Marcus Stroman, who is on the ALCS roster, is still on the roster despite a poor second half.
“Part of the reason for that is we've been able to stay pretty healthy from our starting rotation. I think that's one of the reasons we were able to win the district championship and secure the best record in the American League.” he said. “It starts with them being able to be in the post as consistently as they have been this year. … I like where they're all at and I like the chances they give us every time they get the ball.” is.”
