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Luis Gil's electric arm is the Yankees' winning formula amid adversity
New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Luis Gil's electric arm is the Yankees' winning formula amid adversity

March 11 was a gloomy day for the New York Yankees as news surfaced that 33-year-old reigning AL Cy Young award winner Gerrit Cole was suffering from an ailing right pitching elbow. The season hadn't even begun, but despair had already set in. Questions loomed: Who would anchor the rotation in Cole's absence? Would he return this season at all?

On June 4, we got some clarity during the Yankee's decisive 5-1 victory of the Minnesota Twins. The Yanks cruised behind another stellar performance from rookie Luis Gil. Gil - who is 144 days older than teammate and MVP candidate Juan Soto - improved to 8-1 with a remarkable 1.82 ERA. He has now won seven straight games and is on pace to strike out over 220 batters this season.

A day after being named AL Rookie and Pitcher of the Month for May, Gil allowed only a double to Christian Vazquez with one out in the third inning. The 26-year-old, returning from his own elbow injury after undergoing Tommy John surgery and missing all of 2022 and most of 2023, has brought much-needed stability to the starting rotation. This has allowed other pitchers to slot into more natural positions and pitch to their strengths.

Gils' electric stuff on the mound is turning heads. He can strike batters out with a 99 mph heater or a 93 mph changeup, displaying the poise and confidence of a seasoned veteran. He's exactly the type of pitcher and player New Yorkers love.

"I think the changeup is his best pitch," said Twins shortstop Carlos Correa, who struck out three times against Gil on Tuesday night. "You can cover the fastball, but the changeup off of it is two different swings. One you have to stay on top; the other, you have to stay inside and scoop. And they come out of the same tunnel. It's pretty good."

The energy in Yankee Stadium has been palpable. Fans are buzzing with excitement as the team rides a six-game winning streak, having won 10 of its past 12 games and 17 of its past 21. Each game brings a surge of hope and anticipation, fueled by Gil's performances and the possibility of Cole's return.

That possibility became much greater when Cole made his return to the mound on Tuesday while pitching for the Double-A Somerset Patriots. In his first minor league rehab assignment, Cole looked sharp, pitching 3 1/3 innings. He allowed just two singles, didn't surrender a walk and faced one batter over the minimum, throwing 45 pitches, 34 of them for strikes. The sight of Cole back on the mound was a sign of hope for the Yankee's faithful.

If Cole can return to form and stay healthy, the Yankees could possess one of the best 1-2 rotation pieces in the majors. The combination of Gil's dynamic presence and Cole's experience could electrify the Yankees' chances for a deep playoff run.

The Bronx is alive with the thrill of baseball, and Gil's emergence has been the spark. His ability to deliver in crucial moments has brought stability to the Yankees, while his electricity makes each game a must-watch event. All of it has Yankees fans dreaming big dreams.

Colin Cerniglia

Colin Cerniglia is an Amazon bestselling author, co-host of the "2 Jocks and a Schlub" podcast from Blue Wire, and a contributor to The Charlotte Observer. With a deep passion for baseball and college football, he offers extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to his writing. Colin resides in Charlotte, NC, with his wife and two daughters

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