The New York Yankees roared back into a tie for the American League East lead alongside the Toronto Blue Jays, thanks to a commanding performance against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. Franchise cornerstone Aaron Judge powered the victory with a pair of towering home runs, while starter Max Fried delivered a masterclass, surrendering just one earned run over seven stellar innings. Fried’s resurgence has solidified his case as the Yankees’ postseason ace, but not all the news coming out of the Bronx is cause for celebration.
For reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, the path to October is looking increasingly uncertain. Despite a 3.29 ERA through 10 starts this season, deeper metrics paint a troubling picture. According to The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner, Gil’s expected ERA balloons to a worrisome 5.09, and his expected fielding independent pitching (FIP) ranks third-worst among 176 starters with at least 50 innings pitched. These red flags have the Yankees’ brass rethinking their postseason rotation plans, with Gil’s spot far from secure.
Max Fried and Carlos Rodon are all but guaranteed to anchor the top of the playoff rotation. Behind them, Cam Schlittler or Will Warren could claim the third or fourth starter roles, potentially leaving Gil on the outside looking in. After a dazzling rookie campaign last year, Gil’s season was disrupted by an early injury, and recent struggles on the mound have only compounded his challenges.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone didn’t mince words when addressing Gil’s woes, delivering a blunt, four-word diagnosis: “I think it’s command.” Speaking to Kirschner, Boone dismissed concerns about physical issues, stating, “I don’t think it’s anything physical.” The skipper’s assessment points to Gil’s inability to consistently locate his pitches as the root of his troubles, a critical flaw for a pitcher vying for postseason innings.
With the regular season winding down, Gil may get one final chance to prove himself in the Yankees’ last game on Sunday. However, that start would likely rule him out of a wild card series, further dimming his hopes of reclaiming his role as a starter in the playoffs. As the Yankees gear up for a deep October run, all eyes will be on whether Gil can rediscover the electric form that made him a breakout star—or if his postseason dreams will be deferred to the bullpen or beyond.