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  • Yankees Left Holding Their Breath in Luis Gil Injury Scare

    Yankees Left Holding Their Breath in Luis Gil Injury Scare

    The New York Yankees are holding their breath after AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil cut short his bullpen session on Friday because of tightness in his right shoulder. Manager Aaron Boone said Gil will have an MRI Saturday to determine the severity of the injury and everyone is waiting to hear.

    What Happened in Gil’s Bullpen Session?

    Gil, who was a big part of the Yankees’ rotation plans, felt tightness in his arm and couldn’t continue his bullpen session after a few pitches.

    “He just felt tight and couldn’t really let it go,” Boone said before the Yankees hosted the Blue Jays at Steinbrenner Field. “Hopefully it’s not too serious but also feels like it’s going to cost us some time.”

    Boone was serious about the situation, noting when a pitcher stops his bullpen session that’s always a red flag.

    “When a pitcher stops his bullpen, that’s bad,” Boone said. “But I don’t want to get too ahead of myself. We’ll see what we have.”

    Why Gil’s Health Is So Big for the Yankees

    He’s a Rotation Player Now

    Gil went over his previous career high in innings last season, throwing 151 ²/₃ with a 3.50 ERA after Tommy John surgery. He was huge for the Yankees when Gerrit Cole was out early in the year. Gil’s performance gave the team confidence heading into 2025.

    Gil had three live batting practices this spring without incident, but the sudden tightness is a concern given his heavy workload last season (far more than his previous totals).

    Who Steps Up If Gil’s Out?

    Gil’s injury opens the door for Marcus Stroman to get into the rotation. The Yankees had planned to trade Stroman this offseason but those plans fell through. Now with Gil out, Stroman could be a rotation guy.

    Stroman said he would only pitch as a starter when he got to camp and it looks like he’s going to take advantage of the opportunity. He’s scheduled to start Sunday.

    Other Depth Options

    Behind the top 5 starters (Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt and now potentially Stroman) the Yankees’ depth has already taken two hits this spring:

    • JT Brubaker: Broke his ribs trying to get out of the way of a comebacker in his first spring start and is out indefinitely.
    • Chase Hampton: Had Tommy John surgery last week.

    How Long Will Gil Be Out?

    We won’t know the severity of the injury until Saturday’s MRI results but any prolonged absence is a big deal for the Yankees’ rotation plans. Gil was seen as a key to the team’s 2025 success.

  • New York Yankees Urged to Sign Veteran All-Star Free Agent After Injury

    New York Yankees Urged to Sign Veteran All-Star Free Agent After Injury

    The New York Yankees are in a tough spot just weeks before Opening Day with their designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton dealing with injuries and personal issues. As they try to fill the void left by Stanton’s absence one name has emerged as a solution: veteran slugger J.D. Martinez.

    Can this former Boston Red Sox star stabilize the Yankees’ lineup? Let’s get into it.

    The Giancarlo Stanton Mystery

    Stanton’s absence started with tendonitis in both elbows and he couldn’t swing a bat. That raised Opening Day doubts. But then things got even weirder when manager Aaron Boone said Stanton left spring training for “personal reasons” not related to his injuries.

    “There’s nothing else to say right now. Hopefully we see him soon,” Boone said. “If he wants to address anything he can. But there’s really nothing more to say right now.”

    No timeline for Stanton’s return so the Yankees are scrambling to fill the hole in their lineup.

    Why J.D. Martinez Makes Sense

    A Bat in the Lineup

    At 37 years old, J.D. Martinez may not be the same MVP caliber player he was when he was with the Boston Red Sox, but he’s a good hitter. After a great 2023 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers—where he hit .271/.321/.572 with 33 HR and 103 RBI —Martinez signed a last minute deal with the New York Mets in 2024. Although his numbers dropped off a bit, he still hit 16 HR and 69 RBI in 120 games with a .725 OPS .

    The Yankees are struggling to find production at DH or in left field and Martinez could be the answer.

    Low Risk, High Reward

    Martinez would probably sign a one year deal so he’s low risk. Even if he doesn’t bring his All-Star self he’s a solid depth piece for a lineup that’s thin without Stanton. He’s also a veteran and leader that could help younger players like rookie Jasson Domínguez who might be asked to play a bigger role.

    The Situation at DH and Left Field

    Without Stanton the Yankees have no options at DH and left field. They don’t have a power bat in the middle of the lineup and relying on unproven players or old veterans isn’t ideal. Adding Martinez would immediately upgrade the offense and give Aaron Boone more flexibility with the lineup.

    FAQs About the Yankees’ Situation

    What is wrong with Giancarlo Stanton?

    Stanton has tendonitis in both elbows and hasn’t been able to swing a bat. He also left spring training for undefined “personal reasons” which only adds to the mystery.

    Is J.D. Martinez still good?

    Yes, 37 years old and all, Martinez hit 16 HomeRuns and 69 RBI in 120 games last season with the Mets. He’s not the same guy he was in his prime but he’s still a good hitter who can help the Yankees.

    Would J.D. Martinez be expensive?

    No, Martinez would sign a cheap one year deal. He’s too old and his production is declining so he won’t command a long term or big money contract, he’s a low risk option for the Yankees.