Yankees' Luis Gil not in Opening Day starting rotation, could begin season in minors
Yankees manager Aaron Boone hinted at concerns about Gil's health and velocity influencing his decision.
The 2024 American League Rookie of the Year may not be in the New York Yankees’ Opening Day starting rotation. Luis Gil will not be part of the Yankees’ starting staff to open the season, MLB. com’s Bryan Hoch reported .
The team is currently discussing whether or not Gil should begin the season in the minor leagues so he can make starts on a regular turn. [ Draft your Yahoo Fantasy Baseball team for the 2026 MLB Season ] The Yankees will go with a four-man rotation of Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren and Ryan Weathers to open the season. The Yankees will begin the season with a 4-man rotation.
Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers — in that order. They are discussing what that means for Luis Gil (possibly stay back to continue starting). — Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 22, 2026 Gil, 27, struggled during spring training, allowing 10 runs and 20 hits (six of them home runs) in 19 1/3 innings.
However, he did notch 24 strikeouts in Grapefruit League play. And he pitched well in his final start of the spring on Friday, giving up only one hit in five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts against the Baltimore Orioles. “That was 2024 Luis Gil right there,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after the game.