As the 2025 season approaches, the New York Yankees are viewed as one of the top teams in the American League and the frontrunners to win the AL East. However, injuries have been a significant challenge for them.
Power-hitting veteran Giancarlo Stanton is recovering from elbow surgery, causing him to miss time in Spring Training. Additionally, the Yankees are now set to lose one of their starting pitchers for the foreseeable future, a setback that will have implications for the Boston Red Sox and the rest of the AL East.
On Thursday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone informed reporters that reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is expected to be sidelined for three months due to a lat injury.
According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman stated that Gil was sent to New York for further evaluation, with the team hoping he can return “sometime in the summer.”
Last season, the 26-year-old right-handed starter delivered an impressive performance, finishing with a 15-7 record and a 3.50 ERA over 29 starts. He recorded 171 strikeouts while allowing just 18 home runs in 151.2 innings.
Against the Red Sox, Gil was particularly effective, going 1-1 with a stellar 1.54 ERA in two starts. Boston’s offense had a tough time against him, managing only a .191 batting average.
With Gil sidelined for at least three months, the Red Sox and the rest of the AL East will primarily have to contend with Gerrit Cole and Max Fried leading the Yankees’ rotation.
Despite the setback, New York remains a formidable team, making it crucial for Boston to start the season at .500 or better. The Red Sox will first face the Yankees on June 6 in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium, followed by another three-game weekend matchup at Fenway Park the following week.
