Just as the Yankees were settling into their rhythm, another potential setback looms large. This time, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil of the Yankees is on the verge of getting sidelined. As per the latest report, Gil will undergo an MRI after he felt tightness in his right shoulder, causing him to cut short the bullpen training on Friday. While it is still unclear how long Gil will take to get back to action, Marcus Stroman might get awarded for his patience.
Gil took his place after Gerrit Cole missed the Yankees’ fifth rotation position due to elbow pain last spring. Marcus Stroman, the focus of trade rumors for months, would have a rotation opening if Gil were out. Stroman’s trade failure seems to offer the Yankees an extra layer of cushion to bear the Gil’s blow and place him in the starting rotation. So, what does it mean for the Yankees to have Stroman in place of Gil? Is Stroman the right player to replace Gil?
Marcus Stroman is back in business
What is Gil for the Yankees, and how might Marcus Stroman be his perfect replacement? Well, in 2024, Luis Gil had a 15-7 record, 3.50 ERA, and 171 strikeouts in 29 starts for the Yankees. Gil achieved this by throwing 8 more innings in the playoffs after smashing his career high of 151.2 in the regular season. Moreover, after pitching just 4 innings in the Minor Leagues at the end of the 2023 season, Gil threw a career-high 151 2/3 innings in the previous season. That’s the value offered by Gil for the team. Now, if the Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone’s words are anything to go by, Gil’s return will take time.
Luis Gil has been shutdown from throwing due to shoulder tightness and will get an MRI (via @M_Marakovits) pic.twitter.com/ty2d97YsRc
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) February 28, 2025
“Feels like something that’s going to cost us some time,” said Boone during the press meeting after Friday’s game. There goes Marcus Stroman back in the race! While Stroman’s reluctance to play at the bullpen sparked trading intentions from the Yankees, it ultimately didn’t materialize. Last season was a mixed bag for Marcus Stroman—30 games (29 starts), a 10-9 record, and a 4.31 ERA. But after a rough second half, he was shifted to the bullpen and missed the postseason. Fast forward to Friday, and Stroman delivered a scoreless inning, making a strong case to step in if Luis Gil is sidelined. Could this be his shot at redemption?
Probable combinations for the Yankees
Stroman is the ideal replacement for Luis Gil, considering the 33-year-old veteran offers all the required skills and experiences to be in the starting rotation. However, what other options are left for the Yankees? The Yankees also have Will Warren and Carlos Carrasco as depth starters. Carrasco pitched 21 starts for the Guardians last season and was 3-10 with a 5.64 ERA in 103 2/3 innings. Additionally, Warren can be another potent option after he has scored three no-hit innings against the Cardinals in this spring training season.
JT Brubaker could have been another option for the Yankees, but he got into a rib injury last week. Well, the Yankees seem to be losing players daily this season. This further highlights how fruitful it is not to let Stroman go away. Expectedly, it just took one injury from the starting rotation to get Stroman back in the business. The best combination for the Yankees in the absence of Luis Gil will be to add Stroman to the rotation of Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt.
Gil’s injury offered a reality check about the importance of rotation depth in the team. Trading off Stroman before would have put the Yankees in a mess now. Hopefully, Marcus Stroman will utilize the opportunity to his best advantage.
What do you think about Stroman’s potential this year? Share your views with us below.
The post Yankees News: Marcus Stroman’s Trade Failure Suddenly Becomes a Blessing After Luis Gil’s Big Injury Scare appeared first on EssentiallySports.