Yankees’ Luis Gil Out With Lat Strain, Will Start Season on IL
The New York Yankees were set to enter the 2025 season with one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. However, their rotation took a hit on Friday when Luis Gil, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, suffered a lat strain during a bullpen session.
Luis Gil’s Injury Update
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Monday that Gil won’t throw for at least six weeks after an MRI revealed a lat strain. This means the 26-year-old pitcher is expected to start the season on the injured list (IL), with no firm timeline for his return.
“When a pitcher stops his bullpen, that’s concerning,” Boone said. “But I also don’t want to get too far ahead. We’ll see what we have.”
Gil was a key part of the Yankees’ rotation in 2024, stepping up when ace Gerrit Cole was injured. He finished the season with a 15-7 record, a 3.50 ERA, and 171 strikeouts over 151.2 innings. His impressive performance earned him AL Rookie of the Year honors, and he was expected to play a major role again in 2025.
How Gil’s Injury Impacts the Yankees’ Rotation
With Gil sidelined, the Yankees will turn to Marcus Stroman as their No. 5 starter. Stroman has been on the trade block all offseason, but with Gil out, the Yankees will likely keep him in the rotation.
Projected Yankees Rotation for 2025:
- Gerrit Cole
- Max Fried
- Carlos Rodon
- Clarke Schmidt
- Marcus Stroman
- Luis Gil (injured)
Stroman, who is set to earn $18.5 million this season, now has a chance to prove himself as a reliable option for the Yankees.
Meanwhile, the rest of the rotation remains unchanged. Cole is healthy after missing the early part of last season, while Max Fried—who signed a massive eight-year, $218 million deal—joins him at the top. Carlos Rodon moves into the No. 3 spot, followed by Clarke Schmidt at No. 4.
What’s Next for the Yankees?
With Opening Day less than four weeks away, the Yankees will hope for a quick recovery for Gil. In the meantime, they’ll rely on their depth to keep the rotation strong as they aim for a deep postseason run in 2025.
