Lewis Gill Takes Major Step in Comeback
Lewis Gill is finally making strides in his recovery from the injury that has kept him off the field since spring training. He played his first rehab game with Double A Somerset on Sunday.
“I’ve been anticipating this moment ever since I got hurt,” Gill mentioned through an interpreter. It’s clear he’s eager to show what he can do again.
The Yankees felt the absence of the 2022 AL Rookie of the Year last season, particularly in the second half, though perhaps they didn’t completely grasp just how crucial he was. Now, with Gerrit Cole sidelined due to Tommy John surgery, and Clark Schmidt undergoing the same procedure recently, Gill’s return seems even more vital.
Aaron Boone shared on Saturday that Schmidt’s surgery went well, although he hadn’t yet had a conversation with Schmidt himself.
Meanwhile, during Saturday’s game, starter Max Fried had to leave due to a blister, and Carlos Rodon and Rookie Warren are both facing injuries as well, which is quite a tough spot for the team before the All-Star break.
In an interesting turn, the Yankees managed to win a challenge in the top of the ninth when John Berti was called out while attempting to steal third. JT Brubaker threw to third just as Berti dashed from second, and Oswald Peraza tried to tag him, but the call went the other way initially. Umpire Paul Clemons ruled Berti safe, which Boone felt compelled to challenge.
Boone expressed some frustration over having to make that challenge, saying, “I think we should challenge in these situations, especially when there’s any doubt. Their players get such leads that it’s tricky.”
On a positive note, Cody Bellinger extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a crucial double in the ninth inning. It’s impressive—his second hit streak this season with at least 15 games. To think that since Derek Jeter in 2012, no Yankee has achieved multiple streaks of this length really illustrates how special this moment is.
In other developments, Giancarlo Stanton was hit by a 96 mph sinker on his forearm but managed to stay in the game. It’s just another day in the unpredictable world of baseball.
