LAKELAND, Florida — Luis Gil hopes that after undergoing Tommy John surgery, improvements have not only occurred to his UCL.
The right-hander for the Yankees made his spring training debut on Saturday, showcasing the qualities that initially attracted people to him before having elbow surgery.
Over the course of two innings and forty-one pitches, Gil struck out three batters (while walking two). His fastball reached a maximum velocity of 98 mph, which is encouraging as he continues to recover from the 2022 surgery.
To be really honest, I believe that my current position is better today in terms of movement and velocity. At Joker Marchant Stadium, Gil, whose fastball averaged 96.8 mph before to surgery, spoke through an interpreter. It’s related to all the effort we made both during and following the injury in the offseason. However, the work is not finished there. However, I’m content with the velocity and movement as it is right now.
Gil now provides the Yankees with valuable starting pitching depth beyond their first five starters.
His stuff might eventually work out of the bullpen as well, but he needs to throw more strikes to have a chance.
Gil claimed, “I try to be too perfect with the pitch, which is why I end up walking somebody.” “I aim to strike the mitt precisely at a specific spot rather than the interior. I believe that my ability to understand it and comprehend the counts I have to deal with is what gives me a greater chance.
Attempting to be too flawless, especially with count leverage, may have cost Gil in his second inning of work, when he allowed a two-run home run and both walks. This was stated by manager Aaron Boone.
Grisham, acquired in the Juan Soto deal, has a career track record of hitting lefties more often than righties.
“I take pride in those at-bats, which are always enjoyable,” Grisham remarked.
