Yankees: Does Luis Gil’s strong start speed up MLB timeline?

During the offseason, the New York Yankees were once again projected to make an impact and become a top contender for the World Series. But when they’re in the championship discussion — at least as of late — they continually fall short.

Not do the Yankees experience the same issues on offense over and over, the injury bug looms large year and and year out. That’s raised questions in regard to whether the team should make overarching roster changes or hire a new manager.

For instance, general manager Brian Cashman signed Corey Kluber and traded for Jameson Taillon. Although Kluber threw a no-hitter, he found himself on the injured list with a shoulder issue. As for Taillon, he has a 5.09 ERA in 11 starts. They’re essentially down two capable starters because of Kluber’s expected two-month absence and Taillon struggling to turn a corner.

How can they fix this? The rotation will need to perform at a high level especially if the offense is going to take its time in turning things around.

Should they trade for a starter and unload the farm system? Sign a free agent pitcher who is desperate for a job? What about promoting a pitcher besides Deivi Garcia? What about Luis Gil?

Gil, who is ranked as the fifth-best prospect in the Yankees’ system, had a fantastic May that should have fans wondering if he’s expedited his path to the big leagues. In five starts in May for the Double-A Somerset Patriots, Gil maintained a 1.69 ERA with 36 strikeouts. And that was in just 21.1 innings of work.

On May 26, Gil pitched the final game of a doubleheader against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. He allowed one run on two hits while striking out eight.

Although his first June start wan’t good, you can’t ignore the progress that the Dominican Republic native is making. This is a guy who didn’t pitch at all in 2020 after his promising season at Single-A in 2019.

While many wouldn’t expect a summer call-up, especially with Clarke Schmidt and Garcia as MLB-ready arms, don’t forget Schmidt is still injured and Garcia has been very underwhelming at Triple-A Scranton. If Gil can replicate his May performance again in the coming months and maintain consistency, perhaps he’s arrives in the Bronx earlier than September, which is when rosters expand.

Although patience becomes important in this moment, fans should be excited to see the potential of this young pitcher that the Yankees have held on to. The organization clearly views him favorably when you consider the fact we haven’t heard his name floated in any trade rumors. Maybe he’s held in high regard among the front office and he’s validating the assessments.

If that holds true and the Yankees get desperate for pitching help, look for Gil to potentially be one of the guys that gets a shot. At this point, anything could help the struggling Bombers.

The Rebuilder’s Dilemma: What do Yankees do when strugglers are stars?

Can you fix a team of quiet bats when all the strugglers are assets? The 2010s Phillies show this can be quite the predicament. Sorry, Yankees.