As the Yankees gear up for the season's start, Aaron Boone has decided to roll with a four-man rotation, featuring Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers. With only nine games in the first 13 days, it seems like a smart move to keep the arms fresh.
Unfortunately, this leaves Luis Gil in a bit of a limbo. Despite his talent, he might be left off the Opening Day roster or used in a piggyback role during Weathers’ debut.
After a stellar rookie season in 2024, Gil faced setbacks last year with a right lat strain, limiting him to just 11 starts. While his 3.32 ERA was respectable, his 5.74 SIERA suggests there’s room for improvement.
Pitching coach Matt Blake, however, sees potential in Gil's recent adjustments.
Over in Toronto, the Blue Jays are finalizing their bullpen lineup. Tommy Nance has secured his spot, while Yariel Rodriguez, Jorge Alcala, and Angel Bastardo didn’t make the cut.
Bastardo, picked in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft, missed all of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery. Now, the Jays face a decision: return him to the Red Sox, negotiate a trade, or find another team willing to keep him on their roster for the season.
Meanwhile, the Rays are keeping a close eye on Gavin Lux’s shoulder as Opening Day approaches. Lux, who’s been dealing with oblique and shoulder issues, managed to return to the lineup against the Blue Jays.
With the clock ticking, manager Kevin Cash emphasized the urgency of getting Lux ready. If Lux isn’t fit by the opener, the Rays might consider adding Richie Palacios or exploring the market for additional infield depth.