The New York Yankees made a surprising announcement regarding their starting pitching rotation and who will be in it.
The New York Yankees announced on Sunday that they would begin the season using a four-man rotation with their starting rotation. It’s one that will be without Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon and now will look to not include another player who has struggled through an up-and-down spring training. Yankees’ Luis Gil did not make the team’s starting rotation, and may open the season in the minor leagues, putting some concern in the back end of New York’s pitching rotation. Gil has had a tough spring, and it followed up a rough return from injury in 2025 where Gil missed four months with a lat strain. Upon his return, he lacked command, pitching a 3.32 ERA with 41 strikeouts to 33 walks in 57 innings pitched.
It’s unlikely that they’ll move Gil right to the bullpen, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone did tell reporters that the minors would allow Gil to remain on a starting pitcher’s routine and keep his rhythm and balance. New York is set to open the season Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants. The team will likely stick with the four-man rotation through the first 13 days, after which the Yankees will play 13 games in a short span from April 7 to April 19. That will give Gil a chance to rejoin the rotation depending on his progress.
Here is the full story from Yankees Roundtable writer Matthew Schmidt on the major announcement.
That rotation will be of Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren and Ryan Weathers, with the four off days in their opening 13 days allowing them to roll with a four-man staff. Hopefully, the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year will find a spot and way back to the 26-man roster.