Luis Gil’s breakout performance provided a much-needed boost for the New York Yankees after an injury-riddled 2024 season. The young pitcher impressed with his electric 90 mph fastball, an effective changeup, and a developing slider, showing signs of becoming a key piece in New York’s rotation. However, just as he was hitting his stride, his momentum was abruptly halted by injury. A high-grade lat strain has now sidelined Gil for at least three months, derailing his progress and leaving the Yankees without one of their most promising arms. And it’s not just the fans feeling the pain!

Former Yankees slugger Todd Frazier couldn’t hide his disappointment. “This hurts. This really hurts,” Frazier admitted while reacting to the news on Foul Territory. “You always hope an injury is something minor, a little soreness or tightness. But this is tough. He went to New York for more testing, and now, boom, he’s gone for months.” It’s clear that the former Yankees player has been keeping an eye on Gils’ career since his time with the team in 2017 and understands the impact a setback like this can have on a pitcher.

In 2025, it was anticipated that Gil would play a role on the team. This is owing to Nestor Cortes having faced injuries in the season and the Yankees looking for stability in their pitching staff. His dominant stretch last year—where he regularly overpowered hitters had fans excited about his future. Instead, Gil would spend the next several months rehabbing, unable to throw for at least six weeks.

This is devastating not just for Gil, but for the Yankees’ overall plans. Their rotation, which once seemed like a strength, suddenly looks shaky. Giancarlo Stanton is battling injuries again, DJ LeMahieu tweaked his calf after one game, and Gil’s absence only adds to the growing list of concerns. It is safe to say that the Yankees will now have to lean even harder on their depth.

With Gil out, Marcus Stroman’s role becomes even more critical. The Yankees considered trading him earlier in the offseason, but now, with their rotation depth taking a hit, they will need him more than ever. Manager Aaron Boone might have to get creative, potentially turning to Michael King or another internal option to fill the gap.

As for Gil, this is another cruel setback for a pitcher who has already battled back from Tommy John’s surgery. Todd Frazier, who knows the grind of an MLB career, remains hopeful but understands the challenge ahead. Yankees fans can only hope he’s right.

Can the Yankees find an in-house replacement?

The Yankees will have to get creative in replacing Luis Gil. As we know they do have one logical internal option in the form of Marcus Stroman. The team could also look to Clarke Schmidt, who took on a full-time starting role last season, or Nestor Cortes, though both come with workload concerns. Another alternative choice could have been Michael King who displayed moments of excellence as a starting pitcher before being traded to San Diego. Nonetheless, the Yankees lack a proper solution and they might need to use a blend of strategies during the initial months of the season.

Beyond the established arms, the Yankees could turn to younger pitchers like Will Warren or Yoendrys Gómez. The duo has shown promise in the minors. Warren, in particular, has drawn attention as a potential MLB-ready starter. Still, relying on prospects is always risky, especially for a team with championship aspirations. If the in-house options struggle, the Yankees may have no choice but to explore the trade market. Or turn to the free-agent pool for a short-term stopgap until Gil returns.

In the end, while internal options exist, none offer the immediate impact Gil provided. This has left the team with difficult decisions ahead. Can the Yankees’ rotation survive these losses? Or will they be forced to seek outside help before the season even begins? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!