The New York Yankees will begin the 2026 season without Luis Gil in their starting rotation, a significant shift for the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year. ESPN reports the Yankees announced a four-man rotation for the first 13 games, featuring Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers. This decision leaves Gil, sidelined much of last season with a lat strain, without a clear role.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the challenge, suggesting Gil's best path to maintain rhythm might be in the minors, where he can pitch regularly. The manager also floated the possibility of Gil starting in the minors before potentially joining the rotation later. Gil's 2025 season was hampered by command issues, resulting in a 4-1 record with a 3.32 ERA, 33 walks, and just 41 strikeouts in 57 innings.

However, he showed flashes of his dominant form during spring training, striking out seven batters in five scoreless innings against the Orioles on Friday. The Yankees start Wednesday against the Giants in San Francisco, with Gil's first rotation chance likely coming after the opening stretch when they face 13 games in 13 days starting April 7.