Luis Gil, a standout pitcher for the New York Yankees, said on Mar. 11 that he is focused on improving upon his impressive 2024 season as he prepares for the upcoming year. Gil, who won 15 games with a 3.50 earned run average and recorded 171 strikeouts in his award-winning rookie campaign, stated that his goal is to break his own records from two years ago.
Gil said through interpreter Marlon Abreu, “I would probably say, ‘Break my own records from 2024 and keep improving.’ Whatever those numbers are, if I’m able to break those, I’ll be happy with those. … I think we’re trending in the right way, and I feel like we’re getting close.”
During his fourth spring start on Tuesday at BayCare Ballpark, Gil allowed two runs (one earned) and four hits over three and one-third innings as the Yankees defeated the Phillies 4-2 in Grapefruit League play. After being limited by injury to just eleven starts last season, Gil noted that he is encouraged by an increase in velocity this spring. His fastball averaged 95.5 miles per hour during Tuesday’s outing.
“What you’re looking for at this time of camp is, you want to sustain the velo,” Gil said. “I’m happy. I feel that I keep getting better, stronger and sharper. You’re seeing the results of all the hard work.” He also highlighted improvements in command; across eleven and one-third spring innings so far, he has walked only three batters while striking out fifteen.
Jasson Domínguez also made headlines during Tuesday’s game by hitting his second home run of the spring off Phillies pitcher Tanner Banks. Domínguez said, “It feels great. I got that one good,” adding that consistent at-bats against left-handed pitchers remain a focus for him as he works to improve from the right side of the plate.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented on Domínguez’s development: “That’s why I see the potential there… Look, he’s still a better left-handed hitter, but there’s no reason to think that over time, the right side can’t come up.”
With Opening Day approaching in about two weeks, Boone said decisions regarding bench spots have not yet been finalized. Paul Goldschmidt and Amed Rosario are expected to secure roster positions while other players such as J.C. Escarra and Oswaldo Cabrera remain under consideration depending on health and performance.
Boone concluded regarding roster decisions: “We’ll see… Those are all things we’ve got to still work through.”
