Are the New York Yankees on shaky grounds? They have lost their series against Nationals, Tigers, Angels, and now Cardinals in just the past month. The core problem is clear: they are struggling with consistency to string the wins needed to stay competitive. Moreover, their pitching staff seems to be wilting under pressure, unable to deliver when the team needs the most. But there might be a silver lining on the horizon—because their starting rotation is about to get the boost they so badly need. 

Aaron Boone on Tuesday told reporters that Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt will make their return from the injured list this weekend. Luis Gil is set to start on Friday and Schmidt is all set to start on Saturday. This rotation couldn’t have come at a better time, however, while it’s mostly great news for the Yanks, it also brings a sense of dilemma – because someone needs to move to the bullpen. But for now, the team is already dealing with a lot, hence they are putting off making that call. But a temporary shift, that’s surely 

The New York Yankees shift Nestor Cortes to a bullpen

One of the major problems the Yanks faced was not having six man-rotations this year. But that problem is finally going to be solved with the coming of Gil and Schmidt. But of course, the team has to bite the bullet and make a tough choice when it comes to who will move to the bullpen. Aaron Boone mentioned that Nestor Cortes Jr. will relieve either Gil or Schmidt this weekend, and then start against the Red Sox next weekend. As far as the returnees — Clarke Schmidt has been out since May—a hot minute! But his comeback could turn things around for the team. 

Now Clarke Schmidt has been out since late May because of a nasty right lat strain, but he is finally recovered and ready to make a comeback. On Monday, Schmidt wrapped up his rehab stint with Double-A Somerset by pitching 4.2 innings on 70 pitches, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out seven batters. Schmidt’s return could be monumental to the Bronx Bombers, at this point now that the playoffs are so close. But sure the question does remain, can he pick up where he left off? Well, time will say. 

As far as the young fireball, Luis Gil is concerned—he was only on a short stint on the injured list. He was there for fifteen days because of a lower back strain. But thankfully, his injuries weren’t serious and after just one rehab start, he is ready to make a comeback. And let’s be honest, after the New York Yankees’ Tuesday’s sad loss to the Texas Rangers — where Clay Holmes notched his 11th blown save of the season — a little extra support is what’s needed.

Clay Holmes blows 11th save of the season as Yankees fall to Rangers

Clay Holmes had a tough night as the New York Yankees closer playing against the Texas Ranger. He struggled with his sinker and control, and this led to a game-ending grand slam by a rookie —Wyatt Langford. They suffered a 7-4 loss, which means the Yankees have dropped out of first place in the AL East ranking for the first time in the last three weeks. The worst part for Holmes—he has blown 11 saves this season, the most in the majors. But closer change is something Aaron Boone isn’t too keen on. 

Aaron Boone firmly said, “I’m not going to answer that right now when we’re raw and emotional. We’ll talk through it and do what we think is the best thing.” But that’s not all! Then the critical moment after giving away the single and two walks, Holmes threw a slider, and that sent Langford into the left field. Holmes admitted later on that it was a tough blow saying, “Honestly, tonight was one of those I didn’t throw very well, and wasn’t very good at all and didn’t deserve to come out on top there the way I was throwing.”

Boone acknowledged the loss, saying, “Tonight they got him. A lot of the times where we’ve lost out there, it’s been, you know, soft contact. Obviously, that wasn’t the case tonight.” However, Holmes is more than determined to bounce back and mentioned how this tough night wasn’t his first and that he can flush it and get back to performing well. Well, this is the time to buckle up because they are neck to neck with Baltimore for the division lead. 

For now, the New York Yankees are rolling with a six-man rotation, a strategy that could offer some breathing room to them. But whether they stick to it or shift back to a five-man rotation, is a big question. With the rotation changes, things do look on the brighter side if Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt perform as they are ahead of their injuries. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.