He’s Certainly Earned That” Aaron Boone Talks Up Luis Gil After Naming Dominican Fifth Pitcher In Yankees Rotation
Baseball fans outside of the Big Apple may not be familiar with Luis Gil but the New York Yankees pitcher is one to keep an eye on this season. On Sunday, manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Gil would be rewarded for an exceptional spring training by being named as the club’s fifth starter.
Known for his four-seam fastball that can averages in the high 90’s, Gil also possesses a slider and a changeup in his arsenal to keep hitter off-balance.
The 25-year-old started his career with the Minnesota Twins and was part of a trade to the Yankees that saw for Jake Cave go the other way in 2018. Since then, the righty has gradually worked his way up the ranks and made his MLB debut for the Yankees against the Baltimore Orioles in 2021. Gil featured in just one MLB game in 2022 before Tommy John surgery saw him miss the bulk of 2023.
Spring training offered Boone a chance to see what Gil could do and the Dominican grabbed his opportunity with both hands. Over five appearances, he has allowed just 5 runs over 15 2/3 innings and struck out 23 batters.
“I feel like the way Luis is throwing the ball, really from the jump, he’s certainly earned that with how he’s performed. We continue to be really excited about what he can be as a starting pitcher,” said Boone per MLB.com.
The Yankees added two-time All-Star Marcus Stroman to their roster this offseason but With Gerrit Cole set to miss the coming months with an elbow injury, the Yankees have an opening in their rotation. Gil will round out a talented group that includes Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt.
The Yankees opening game will be against the Houston Astros in Texas with Gil most likely to make his season debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks in early April.
