Luis Gil’s 2025 season with the New York Yankees was hampered by a lat strain that sidelined him until August, leading to an unusual and challenging year. Upon his return, Gil logged 11 starts and 57 innings with a 3.32 ERA, but his pitching showed clear signs of decline that have raised concerns within the organization. His fastball velocity dropped notably from 96.6 mph the previous year to 95.5 mph, and his strikeout rate plummeted from a Rookie of the Year-best 26.8% to just 16.8%.
Gil’s most recent spring outing against the Minnesota Twins reflected the struggles he displayed last season. Over just 1.2 innings and with 52 pitches thrown, he failed to dominate opposing hitters, as he did not have the ability to efficiently retire batters. Early in the game, a long 10-pitch battle ended with Byron Buxton grounding softly to Ben Rice on a changeup. Soon after, Trevor Larnach capitalized on a fastball left over the plate, sending it over the fence for a home run.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone quickly pulled Gil in the second inning after a high pitch count, bringing in reliever Kelly Austin to preserve Gil’s arm during early spring. Gil’s fastball averaged 94.7 mph in the outing, with a peak velocity of 96.7 mph in the third inning, but these bursts were inconsistent, matching a pattern noticeable since his injury in 2025.
Gradual Progress and Recovery Outlook
After the game, Gil acknowledged he is still in a phase of gradual recovery and conditioning, expecting his performance to improve with more work this spring. He expressed confidence in regaining his usual velocity and command after additional starts on the mound.
I think it’s the building process of spring training,
Gil said through an interpreter, according to New York Post reporter Greg Joyce.
The training has been very good. We’re building on every single outing. I think we’ve had a consistent climb to get to the velo I’m used to. I think maybe by the third or fourth start, it might be more consistent to what I’m used to.
Management’s Dilemma: Patience Versus Performance
The Yankees face a difficult decision regarding how much leeway they can afford to give Gil as he tries to return to form. Throughout an injury-shortened season, Gil adapted by pitching to contact rather than relying on the overpowering strikeout ability that previously made him a rotation cornerstone, especially prior to Gerrit Cole’s return during the championship run. This approach helped during the regular season but exposed vulnerabilities in the playoffs, where the inability to miss bats contributed to his early removal against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Because of these continued struggles, the Yankees possess several promising pitchers ready to step up. Carlos Lagrange, Elmer Rodriguez, and Ben Hess stand as potential replacements if Gil’s strikeout effectiveness does not return. There is also growing speculation that Gil may be moved to the bullpen, a role in which he could more effectively focus on his fastball velocity in shorter stints and possibly regain consistency.
This transitional period for Gil is critical, not just for his career trajectory but also for the Yankees’ pitching depth. The team’s decisions in the coming weeks will shape their rotation stability as the season progresses.
