This week, the New York Yankees suffered a big starting pitching depth injury when Luis Gil left a game against Worcester in Triple-A holding his elbow.
Gil was considered the first alternate for the Yankees’ starting rotation, and with a long season ahead, they would’ve required his services down the road. However, Gil will miss the remainder of the season, needing Tommy John surgery.
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Luis Gil will have Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. Dr. Christopher Ahmad will perform the procedure.
— Bryan Hoch ?? (@BryanHoch) May 21, 2022
This year, the 23-year-old starter made one appearance for the Yankees, giving up four runs and five hits over 4.0 innings. Luckily, the Yankees scored 15 runs against the Chicago White Sox that day, helping him over the hump.
With Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Gil hosts a 7.89 ERA over 21.2 innings. Unfortunately, he has struggled with his location this season, despite having top-end velocity.
This is a significant blow to Luis’s development and progress, but if there’s anyone that can vouch for a successful rehabilitation coming off Tommy John, it is Luis Severino. Severino is fresh off Tommy John surgery for the second time, and he’s having a solid 2022 season, earning a 3.63 ERA over 34.2 innings pitched.
How can the Yankees replace Gil in the rotation?
The Yankees might consider elevating Michael King from the bullpen to replace Gil at the back end of the rotation. This season, King has been dominant in a relief role, earning a 1.40 ERA with 12.97 strikeouts per nine. His vast array of pitches and great location has propelled him to another level, Yankees might need him to help supplement fatigue moving forward.
There’s always a possibility that general manager Brian Cashman looks to the trade market for a potential substitute. The most efficient method would likely be to elevate King to a starting role when needed and trade for another bullpen arm who can help supplement him splitting time.
With Chad Green suffering an elbow strain this week, the Yankees need to be extremely careful how they handle the situation.