Lewis Gil Expected to Rejoin Yankees Rotation

The Yankees are set to bring Lewis Gil back into their rotation this Friday. But there’s some uncertainty surrounding what version of Gil they’ll see. Will it be the standout who was expected to be the 2024 Rookie of the Year, or the 2025 starter who spent most of the prior season on the injured list and returned without quite the same effectiveness?

Gil’s first outing this year will take place in St. Petersburg as the Yankees require a fifth starting pitcher. The 27-year-old’s performance during spring training hasn’t been stellar, leading him to begin the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he was trailing behind pitchers like Max Fried and Will Warren.

However, a strong performance against the Orioles seems to have rejuvenated him, officially wrapping up his time in the Grapefruit League. He had only one start at SWB on a chilly afternoon in Rochester, where conditions may not have favored him. In that outing, he allowed three runs on four hits, issued four walks (including to the first two batters), and managed to strike out six in just over four innings.

Manager Aaron Boone observed the game remotely due to rain in the Bronx. He noted the challenging weather: “It was really cold and windy. In that first inning, he gave up a few runs but also got a strikeout.” Boone added that Gil generally pitched well despite having some command issues early on.

What stood out more than the chilly atmosphere was the variety in Gil’s pitch mix. Out of his 85 pitches, he threw 30 sinkers, a pitch he hadn’t incorporated in his first two major league seasons. Boone expressed hope that this new addition would enhance the effectiveness of his four-seam fastball and other offerings.

The Yankees, having played 13 games in 13 days with a series of three consecutive matches, are leaning towards a five-man rotation for the moment. This could mean that Gil may start two games in the near future.

Whether Gil can maintain his position in the majors depends heavily on other players’ injuries and how he performs going forward.

In their recent 1-0 loss to the Bronx, Paul Goldschmidt sat out, and Ben Rice was given a chance to start at first base against the left-handed pitcher Jeffrey Springs. Boone clarified that Goldschmidt is fine and should face another lefty, Steven Matz, on Friday. The Yankees are interested in getting Rice more experience against left-handers since he recorded the team’s only hit in that game.

As for pitching stats, the Yankees’ starting pitchers have allowed just 16 runs, the lowest number in the franchise’s history after 12 games played.

Carlos Rodon was seen throwing about 40 pitches during a bullpen session this past Wednesday, but it’s unclear what his next steps will be. Meanwhile, Gerrit Cole is scheduled for a mock game in the Hudson Valley on Sunday.

In roster news, the Yankees have designated relief pitcher Cade Winquest for assignment before he even took the mound. Winquest was a Rule 5 pick this winter and will be placed on waivers. If he’s not picked up, he’ll be removed from the Yankees’ 40-man roster and returned to his original team, the Cardinals. Should St. Louis decline to take him back, the Yankees might, in turn, send him back to the minors.