TAMPA — When Aaron Bourne revealed earlier this week that Lewis Gill has high-end rat strains following a shutdown for at least six weeks, he said the Yankees are still getting additional opinions from doctors.
It happened, and Gill's diagnosis did not worsen, but it didn't get better.
Brian Cashman confirmed their first read on Thursday that this year's rookie flew back to New York this week to get a more refined MRI than what he got in Tampa, Brian Cashman said.
Gill also received a PRP injection before returning to camp, but he still rarely pitches for the Yankees until June.
“You're not going to see him for three months,” Cashman said before the 8-4 defeat to the Stein Brennerfield twins. “That's a shame, but it's also part of the pitching presence. We have to hold the fort while he's gone.
“Thankfully, as long as we handle it right, we'll get him back someday in the summer, but he'll be down for a long time.”
Gerrit Cole's fastball speed took a step forward in the second start of spring Thursday, but that brought his order back a step back.
The result was that he was allowed six runs with five hits over 2²/₃ innings against the twins, but the most important thing he did was build a pitch count to 54 while passing through health.
“I think it's just a little extra horsepower today and a little extra move today. It was a mistake or a middle,” he said, leading the fastball at 98 with an average of 95.7 mph. But I'm just getting the opportunity to continue working on fastballs. Apart from the command, I liked many of its properties. ”
Clark Schmidt pitched 30 pitches and two innings equivalent in a live batting practice session in the backfield on Thursday.
He's a bit late after the Yankees give him time to deal with the “Crankie” back, but he still believes he's ready to start the season on time.
“We're definitely going in the right direction,” Schmidt said. “I still feel comfortable on opening day and I'm particularly excited about where I am, like my body.”
