Marcus Stroman's position in the rotation may weaken as Luis Gil prepares to make his major league debut
Yankees Set to Welcome Back Luis Gil as Rotation Boost
The New York Yankees are gearing up for a significant rotation change, with Luis Gil set to make his season debut on Sunday, August 3, against the Marlins in Miami [1][2][3]. The reigning AL Rookie of the Year has been sidelined since spring training with a right lat injury.
Gil's return is expected to be a direct addition to the starting rotation, potentially displacing or bumping other starters to the bullpen or bench. This move reflects the team's need for stability and quality innings in the starting rotation, given the current struggles with injuries and inconsistency [4].
Marcus Stroman, who has shown some improvement in his last two outings, has not made a convincing case to remain in the Yankees rotation. Stroman gave up four runs in five innings during the Yankees' 7-4 win over the Rays on Thursday afternoon in The Bronx, following another rough showing in which he gave up four runs in just 3 2/3 innings in a 9-4 loss to the Phillies [5]. Stroman has stated that he will not pitch in the bullpen.
Stroman and hard-throwing rookie Cam Schlittler are the two obvious candidates to drop out of the rotation when Gil returns. The Yankees are likely prioritizing giving Gil a full starting role immediately rather than easing him in a bullpen or spot appearance role [1][2][4].
Meanwhile, Mark Leiter Jr., who threw live batting practice on Thursday, could be activated during the Yankees' series against the Rangers that runs Monday through Wednesday, if he recovers well from his live batting practice. Leiter has a left fibular head stress fracture. If activated, he could pitch in a rehab game this weekend [6].
New acquisition Austin Slater went 0-for-4 at the plate during Thursday's game but drove in a run on a fielder's choice. Slater started in right field and batted seventh in Thursday's game, following his immediate inclusion in the lineup after being acquired from the White Sox.
Manager Aaron Boone has a decision to make when Gil returns, as the Yankees seek to strengthen a struggling rotation. The exact rotation order and who might be displaced or demoted have not been explicitly reported [1][4]. Judge did not swing during Mark Leiter Jr.'s live batting practice, facing Oswald Peraza and Aaron Judge instead.
[1] - https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-luis-gil-on-track-to-return-from-injury-soon [2] - https://www.espn.com/mlb/story//id/34920628/yankees-luis-gil-set-return-rotation-august [3] - https://www.nbcsports.com/newyork/yankees/yankees-luis-gil-expected-return-rotation-sunday-august-3 [4] - https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/yankees-rotation-remains-critical-concern-as-gil-closes-in-on-return [5] - https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore//gameId/401485155 [6] - https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/mark-leiter-jr-threw-live-batting-practice-on-thursday
Sports enthusiasts and baseball fans, especially those supporting the MLB's New York Yankees, will be eager to watch Luis Gil's return to the pitch, as he is set to join the starting rotation on August 3 against the Marlins. With the team seeking stability and quality innings due to ongoing injuries and inconsistency, the MLB's reigning AL Rookie of the Year and his strong pitching ability may alter the current rotation lineup.
