The New York Yankees are preparing for important returns as Jazz Chisholm Jr. is set to begin a rehab assignment following his injury, while Luis Gil is close to pitching again after a lengthy recovery. These developments provide hope for the Yankees amid their search for third base and pitching support, marking a significant moment in the team’s ongoing 2024 campaign.
Progress on Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s Recovery and Performance Challenges
Jazz Chisholm Jr. currently remains on the 10-day injured list due to a right oblique strain, but he is scheduled to have a full workout shortly, with a rehab assignment expected later in the week, according to manager Aaron Boone. Despite a promising athletic profile, Chisholm Jr. has struggled offensively in his first full season with the Yankees. Through 105 at-bats, he is batting just .181 with a .714 OPS and a 102 OPS+.
While Chisholm Jr.’s power numbers include seven home runs, these figures are likely not sustainable over a full 162-game season, given the limited sample size. Observers note that his plate discipline and contact rate need improvement; his career .245 batting average and an abundance of strikeouts reflect challenges in consistently putting the ball in play.
His left-handed power swing fits well in Yankee Stadium’s hitter-friendly environment, but it appears to come at the cost of on-base consistency. Still, Chisholm Jr. maintains value with 15 walks and six stolen bases so far, embodying the energetic and versatile style appreciated within the Yankees roster. His willingness to adapt is further reflected in his defensive contributions, having impressed fans by taking on third base duties last season and sharing infield responsibilities with D.J. LeMahieu, allowing flexibility for manager Boone in lineup decisions.
Anticipating Luis Gil’s Return to the Mound
At 26 years old, Luis Gil has faced several injury setbacks this season, including a right lat strain that has kept him on the 60-day injured list. He remains in recovery after previous complications, including Tommy John surgery in May 2022 and last summer’s lower back tightness. Gil is expected to step back onto the mound for the first time this Friday as the Yankees cautiously manage his workload.
Despite the setbacks, Gil’s pitching arsenal remains impressive. His four-seam fastball, changeup, and slider helped him earn the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year, after compiling a 15-7 record with a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts over 151 2/3 innings last season. The Yankees see him as a key piece to bolster their rotation, although he will likely face restrictions on innings during his comeback to prevent further injury.
With the departure of Gerrit Cole, the Yankees have a significant gap in their rotation, but Gil’s eventual return offers optimism. His presence is expected to strengthen the pitching staff, complementing other rotation members and helping the team remain competitive in a demanding season.
Supporting Arms and Rotation Depth in the Wake of Injuries
Even with Cole’s absence, the Yankees’ pitching staff has several bright spots. Max Fried leads as a prime Cy Young candidate, boasting a 7-0 record with a 1.29 ERA and a 2.57 FIP. Carlos Rodón has begun to show strong returns on his investment with a 2.88 ERA and 3.40 FIP, while Clarke Schmidt, though off to a slow start, remains a reliable middle rotation option.
Rookie Will Warren continues to impress, leading all rookies with 67 strikeouts in just over 50 innings pitched, alongside a 4.09 ERA and 2.69 FIP. Additionally, Ryan Yarbrough’s transition from long-reliever to starter has yielded promising results, posting a 2.25 ERA across four starts, offering further tactical flexibility for Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake.
As the Yankees navigate these challenges, patience appears to be an essential virtue in managing player returns and sustaining competitiveness over the course of the 2024 season. The upcoming rehab assignment for Chisholm Jr. and Gil’s anticipated bullpen work offer bright spots in an otherwise cautious approach to maintaining team health.