Despite enduring a pair of challenging starts recently, New York Yankees’ starting pitcher Luis Gil remains a top contender for the American League Rookie of the Year award, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
Gil burst onto the scene this season as one of MLB’s standout starting pitchers, not just among rookies. Prior to his recent struggles, he boasted an impressive 2.03 ERA, which ranked fourth-best among all starters, rookie or veteran alike. His 96 strikeouts further underscored his impact, placing him ninth in the league among starters.
“Until his past couple of starts, he was a Cy Young contender,” Heyman noted, highlighting Gil’s earlier dominance.
Despite these recent setbacks against the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets, Gil’s bid for the Rookie of the Year award remains strong. Heyman emphasizes that while two rough outings can’t be ignored, they shouldn’t overshadow Gil’s overall stellar performance this season.
In his last two starts combined, Gil has faced significant challenges, allowing 12 hits, 12 earned runs, including two home runs, along with six walks and just three strikeouts over 5.2 innings. These outings serve as a reminder of the volatility in baseball but also highlight Gil’s resilience and potential for growth.
Considering Gil’s workload, with a significant portion of his career innings logged this season after recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Yankees are understandably cautious about managing his arm. His ability to contribute effectively, whether as a starter or reliever, will be crucial as the season progresses.
Despite recent setbacks, Gil’s impressive early-season performance positions him well for the Rookie of the Year accolade, provided he can rebound and finish the season strong.
