Luis Gil Strengthens Rotation Case As Aaron Judge Returns From WBC

Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports

TAMPA, FL — On Thursday night, Aaron Judge was the story, returning to the New York Yankees lineup following his World Baseball Classic run with Team USA.

But with that said, it was Luis Gil who stole the spotlight in his final spring training tune up, delivering a dominant performance that could reshape the team’s rotation outlook.

Judge, who went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts in his return vs. the Baltimore Orioles, addressed criticism surrounding Team USA’s perceived lack of energy during the WBC. The Yankees captain pushed back on the narrative, emphasizing that passion for the game can take different forms depending on culture.

“Everybody’s different. Every culture is different,” Judge said before the game. “If I don’t show it outwardly like that, it doesn’t mean I don’t love the game.”

Judge praised the atmosphere of international play, noting the unique energy brought by fans and teams from countries like the Dominican Republic and Mexico. He added that representing one’s country introduces a different level of intensity compared to a traditional Major League setting.

While Judge’s return marked a key storyline, the night ultimately belonged to Gil, who turned in his sharpest outing of the spring at a critical moment. With a potential rotation spot hanging in the balance, the right-hander delivered five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out seven and walking one.

Gil’s fastball on the day averaged 96.8 mph and topped out at 98.8, a notable jump that mirrored his most successful stretches in previous seasons. The outing also featured a refined pitch mix, including the addition of a sinker, and improved command tied to adjustments in his release point.

“That was 2024 Luis Gil right there,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said postgame of Gil, who earned the AL LatinoMVP Rookie of the Year Award in 2024.

Gil’s performance carries added significance given his recent struggles earlier in camp, as well as the Yankees’ ongoing deliberations about whether to open the season with a four-man or five-man rotation. With built-in off days early in the schedule, Boone indicated that flexibility remains on the table.

“Nothing is set in stone,” the skipper said.

Offensively, the Yankees broke through late in a tightly contested game. Ryan McMahon sparked the rally with a double in the eighth inning, and Oswaldo Cabrera followed with a go-ahead RBI that woke up the bombers bats, scoring two more wins winning the contest 3-1 over the Orioles.

Earlier in the day, the Yankees made several roster moves that further clarified the team’s direction heading into Opening Day. Jasson Domínguez was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, with general manager Brian Cashman emphasizing the importance of consistent at-bats for the 23-year-old.

Several other players were reassigned to minor league camp, while Rule 5 pick Cade Winquest continues to make a strong case for a bullpen role.

Gil, meanwhile, remained focused on his performance rather than his placement.

“I haven’t been told what’s next,” he said. “But this was a step in the right direction.”

As the Yankees finalize their roster and rotation decisions, Gil’s late push and Judge’s return add compelling layers to a team still taking shape ahead of the next weeks regular start.

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