The New York Yankees experienced something special on Tuesday evening as Luis Gil took the mound in his first-ever major-league start. Over 6.0 innings, Gil allowed four hits and zero earned runs, collecting six strikeouts over 88 pitches. For a minor-league player to display this type of adequacy, the Yankees should be considering him as a potential option early next week. With Ace Gerrit Cole currently on the COVID-19 list, the Yankees have relied on a few unreliable options.
For example, they rolled with Andrew Heaney on Monday, as the Bombers were plastered for seven runs. Gil performed far better, despite hosting a 5.64 ERA in Triple-A.
Aside from Gill, one other youngster dominated in his first MLB action. Stephen Ridings, who is classified as a starting pitcher but came in as relief, posted three strikeouts, hitting triple digits with his fastball. Ridings stated after the game that his grandmother had passed the day before, so his performance and experience were indescribable. After such a valiant effort, the Yankees should heavily consider giving both pitchers another opportunity in the near future.
Luis Severino injury update:
Severino pitched 2.1 innings for the Double-A Somerset-Patriots in an 8-4 win on Tuesday. He allowed two hits, two runs and struck out four batters over 43 pitches. This was his first rehab start, putting him in a good spot to potentially make a return in September. Severino has suffered multiple setbacks, including a groin strain several weeks ago that pushed his return date back. Hopefully, he can build off this performance, as it wasn’t exactly what the Yankees hoped for. It will take him time to work his way back into shape, but he’s on the right track.
First baseman Luke Voit cracked a homer with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in a 7-2 loss to the Worcester Red Sox. Unfortunately, the Yankees have already replaced Voit at first with Anthony Rizzo, who has been phenomenal offensively for the team since the acquisition. Voit will be fighting for a designated hitter role upon his return, as he will remain with the team for the rest of the season as the trade deadline has passed.