The New York Yankees named right-handed pitcher Luis Gil as the team’s fifth starter Sunday, following his excellent showing during Spring Training.
Toeing the Major League rubber this spring for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, Gil had a stellar spring. He was one of the bright spots throughout the entire pitching staff, earning the fifth starter role despite some tough competition from Will Warren.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced Gil will be the fifth starter Sunday ahead of the team’s exhibition match in Mexico against Trevor Bauer and the Diablos Rojos.
Gil showed off truly electric stuff at a relatively consistent rate this spring. In 15.2 innings, Gil led the staff with 23 strikeouts while posting an incredible 0.83 WHIP and allowing a .127 opposing batting average.
With star ace Gerrit Cole on the shelf for at least 1-2 months due to an elbow injury, the Yankees will need Gil and the rest of the pitching staff to step up at the beginning of the season if and when he returns.
Gil is expected to make his first start of the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Monday, April 1.