Yankees on verge of weird Luis Gil decision with pitching rotation

The New York Yankees are on the verge of a surprising Luis Gil pitching rotation decision to start the 2026 campaign at the MLB level.

Essentially, Gil isn't going to be in the rotation. Even more, he may get sent down to the minor leagues.

This is what MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reported on X on Sunday:

"The Yankees will begin the season with a 4-man rotation. Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers — in that order. They are discussing what that means for Luis Gil (possibly stay back to continue starting)."

Hoch then added this further update on Gil:

"Luis Gil will remain behind in Tampa and throw live batting practice on Wednesday. The Yanks are considering optioning him to the Minors. If they don't, Matt Blake said they may use him in a piggyback role."

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So those are the two options -- either Gil stays in the majors and works out of the bullpen, or he heads down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

He could end up even further on the outside looking in when Gerrit Cole comes back.

Of course, it's worth noting that part of the reason the Yankees can do this with Gil now is early season off days. Eventually, they'll need a five-man rotation. When that time arrives, Gil seems likely to get a chance, unless Cole gets back very efficiently. 

Still, it shows where Gil has fallen to not long after first breaking in as a promising major league pitcher.

There's still time for him to rediscover himself, but this is a setback that is far from ideal for Gil.

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