The New York Yankees boast one of the majors’ top starting rotations, with ace Gerrit Cole yet to take the mound this season due to nerve inflammation in his right elbow. Despite initial concerns that Cole’s absence might derail their postseason aspirations following last year’s 82-80 finish, the team has defied expectations.
With a collective ERA of 2.86, ranking third in baseball, and leading the American League in strikeouts with 458, the Yankees have found unexpected strength in rookie pitcher Luis Gil. Gil, stepping in for the sidelined Cole, has surpassed all expectations with a remarkable 2.11 ERA and 70 strikeouts over 55 1/3 innings across 10 starts.
As Cole nears his return from the 60-day injured list, speculation mounts about the lineup adjustments Yankees manager Aaron Boone may make. The current five-man rotation of Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, Clarke Schmidt, and Gil has performed admirably. However, with Cole’s impending return, Boone faces the dilemma of maintaining the status quo or potentially transitioning to a six-man rotation for added rest and durability.
While maintaining the current rotation seems logical given its success, the surplus of quality starters presents a challenge. One potential scenario involves sending Gil, who has already surpassed his career high in innings pitched, back to the bullpen upon Cole’s return. Alternatively, if Gil’s performance continues to impress, Schmidt could be the next candidate for bullpen duty.
Regardless of the decision, Boone finds himself in the enviable position of having five dependable starters at his disposal, a testament to the team’s depth and talent.