Yankees star Luis Gil set to miss start of 2025 season following shoulder injury during Spring Training

2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil will start the new season on the injured list and will miss about 6 weeks of MLB action.

Yankees star Luis Gil set to miss start of 2025 season following shoulder injury during Spring Training

Luis Gil (Image via X)

The New York Yankees received some bad news on Monday. One of their star pitchers and American League Rookie of the Year 2024, Luis Gil has suffered a high grade lat strain and will miss the start of the 2025 season.

The pitcher was feeling a bit uncomfortable during a recent bullpen session during the Spring Training. He would cut short the session after just five pitches and would later undergo an MRI scan on Saturday regarding this issue.

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The scans have now diagnosed him with a right high-grade lat strain. As a result of this, he will likely miss at least 6 weeks of action. The best-case scenario for him could be a return to the mound in the month of June.

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It’s definitely not the best feeling when they tell you something like that. You’re not waiting for news like that. It’s a tough moment right there to digest.

Luis Gil said through his interpreter Marlon Abreu as per MLB.com

The 26-year-old right-handed pitcher has suffered injuries during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The 2024 campaign turned out to be an outstanding one from him as he dominated from the mound.

He went 15-7 in the season and picked up 171 strikeouts while pitching with an ERA of 3.50. His performances saw him become the first Yankees pitcher after Dave Righetti in 1981 to win the American League Rookie of the Year award.

This injury of his also comes at a time when the Yankees suffered another hammer blow. The team lost power-hitter Giancarlo Stanton through an injury last week. With a tendinitis issue in both of his elbows, the outfielder will also begin the season on the injured list.

Who can the New York Yankees replace Luis Gil with following his recent injury?

The injury to Luis Gil comes as a major blow to the New York Yankees. With him expected to miss up to 6 weeks of action, the Yankees will need someone to step up and replace him in the pitching rotation.

Luis Gil
Luis Gil (Image via X)

At the moment, pitchers Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, and Carlos Rodon are assured of spots in the pitching rotation. With the injury to Gil, the Yankees could be tempted to keep Marcus Stroman as well.

A few weeks ago, reports emerged that the Yankees were trying to offload him from the team and save around $17 million of his salary. Given the recent developments, the team could give him another chance as his experience could be vital.

Right-handers Carlos Carrasco, Will Warren, and Allan Winans could also be thrown in the mix. Both Carrasco and Warren are in the Yankees camp as non-roster invites.

Last year, one of his teammates, Schmidt, suffered a similar injury. He got injured in May and was out for 4 weeks. He eventually made his return to major league action in September. Gil will now look to lean on him and try to make a similar comeback.