Yankees lose star rookie pitcher to injury

Luis Gil had to leave the New York Yankees' game against the Cleveland Guardians early Tuesday due to back pain, the team announced. Gil was examined by David Trofa, the Yankees' orthopedic surgeon, and will be examined again on Wednesday.

From the start of the game, Gil appeared uncomfortable. Gil's body language was similar to that of his previous two starts. Manager Aaron Boone decided to take Gil out of the game in the fourth inning after Guardians No. 9 hitter Brayan Rocchio hit a solo home run and leadoff batter Steven Kwan issued a walk, which led to Gil throwing a pitch awkwardly at the plate and Kwan stealing second base without attempting a throw.

Gil threw just 78 pitches and struggled with control. He fell behind regularly and allowed six walks against Cleveland, the second-most in a game this season – Gil allowed seven walks in five innings in a 3-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on April 15. Although he was unable to consistently throw his most effective pitches, he allowed just three total hits and struck out three players in three innings.

Gil, 26, is having a stellar season for New York. Entering Tuesday, Gil had a record of 12-6, 3.25 ERA and an impressive 141 strikeouts, but an equally unimpressive 60 walks (the number was increased on Tuesday), which is tops in the major leagues. He also had a WHIP of 1.151 in 121.1 innings and a WAR of 3.0. Gil is expected to be one of the current favorites for the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year Award.

Because of his overall performance, Gil has helped stabilize a rotation that was without 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole through June. His recent ups and downs are important to note, as the Yankees' bullpen has been stretched a little harder than usual in recent weeks as the organization awaits the return of Ian Hamilton — who was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 18 with a right latissimus strain — and Clarke Schmidt, who was placed on the 60-day IL (June 18, retroactive to May 27) with the same right latissimus injury.

Gil's value has also increased, a factor that general manager Brian Cashman will consider, as Gil is arbitration-eligible in 2025 and 2026. If Gil's inconsistency in batting continues for the remainder of the regular season and into a potential postseason performance, moving him to the bullpen could be seriously considered, increasing his potential price tag.

The Yankees and Guardians are among four teams (Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Brewers) all within one game of each other battling for the best overall record in baseball. New York (73-52) entered Tuesday with a one-half game lead over Cleveland (72-52) and currently has the best record in the AL.