Luis Gil leaves Yankees starting lineup with worrying injury

New York Yankees rookie starter Luis Gil was forced to exit his final start on Tuesday night. The Yankees announced the injury was a lower back strain, but that's really all we know so far.

The game started in typical Gil fashion, walking Steven Kwan to open the game. He then did well, striking out the next three Guardians in order. But as the game went on, the walks piled up and Gil just didn't look like himself. He was fast, but he had walked six hitters before leaving the game with the fourth injury.

It definitely looks like it was something that affected him throughout his start on Tuesday, and this is simply the worst possible outcome for Aaron Boone and the Yankees.

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As many know, the Yankees are neck and neck with the Baltimore Orioles in the division. If New York finishes the year well, they could not only win the division, but also maintain the best record in baseball.

Depending on the severity of the injury, the Yankees could be without Gil, who many consider to have been one of their most consistent pitchers this season, for several weeks.

Will Warren, the top candidate who would likely replace Gil if he lands on the IL, has struggled in the major leagues. Warren was demoted last week after three appearances with the major league club, but if Gil is out for an extended period, New York could opt to add him back.

There are only a few weeks left until roster expansion, which would likely result in Warren returning to the big leagues.

But this injury to Gil is just worrisome for New York. They are currently in such close competition with the Orioles and any slip-up could cause Baltimore to overtake them.

I'm just speculating here, but lower back injuries tend to be pretty long-lasting. Experience tells me that if this is more than just the reported “tightness,” Gil will miss several weeks and several starts. Again, this is speculation.

Yankees fans should continue to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. This injury could hurt them down the stretch.