Yankees Could Play a Dangerous Game With Potential Luis Gil Replacement

The New York Yankees had finally seen enough of Luis Gil after his most recent start, optioning him to Triple-A and potentially ending his time with the Yankees.

Gil does not even look remotely close to the pitcher we saw in 2024, and to be quite frank, we haven't seen that version of him in almost two years.

The Yankees do have Carlos Rodon coming back rather soon, so he will be in line to take Gil's spot in the starting rotation. However, Rodon isn't ready just yet, meaning New York will have to find a replacement in the meantime.

Aaron Boone could simply choose someone like Ryan Yarbrough to occupy a slot in the rotation for one or two starts, or the Yankees could reach down to the minors and call up an exciting young arm in Elmer Rodriguez.

One of New York's top prospects, Rodriguez has been brilliant in Triple-A this season, logging a 1.27 ERA over four starts. He has allowed just 12 hits while registering 20 strikeouts across 21.1 innings of work, boasting a minuscule 0.891 WHIP.

The 22-year-old also looked impressive in brief Spring Training action and also pitched for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

So, could the Yanks decide to promote Rodriguez for his big-league debut?

Well, there are some complications with such a potential move.

First of all, Rodriguez would only get to start for the Yankees' major-league squad very briefly, as Rodon should be back promptly. Not only that, but Gerrit Cole is in the process of returning, as well.

Once Cole gets back, New York seems likely to send Ryan Weathers to the bullpen, giving the team a starting rotation consisting of Cole, Rodon, Max Fried, Cam Schlittler and Will Warren.

That brings up the possibility of the Yankees then potentially placing Rodriguez in the bullpen, as well, but such a transition would be dangerous for a young starter.

We don't have to look much further than Joba Chamberlain to see the damage moving a pitcher back and forth between the rotation and the pen could cause.

And as far as calling up Rodriguez and then sending him back down once Rodon is ready? You would then be wasting an option on the right-hander, which is never a wise move.

So while the idea of Rodriguez sounds exciting, I'm not sure just how practical it would be for the Bronx Bombers.

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