Why the Yankees Likely Won’t Start Luis Gil in Game 3 of the Postseason
The New York Yankees are gearing up for another high-stakes playoff run, and while the franchise’s depth on the mound has been one of its biggest storylines this season, the latest reports suggest that Luis Gil may not be in line to start Game 3 of the upcoming postseason series. For many fans, this decision raises eyebrows—after all, Gil has been an important arm for the Yankees in 2025. Yet, when the situation is examined closely, there are clear reasons behind the club’s apparent strategy.
Luis Gil has had a roller-coaster year. Bursting into the rotation with flashes of dominance, his fastball velocity and aggressive mound presence have consistently stood out. In stretches, he has looked like a frontline starter, capable of overpowering hitters with ease. However, inconsistency has been his biggest obstacle.
While Gil has delivered strong outings against divisional rivals and managed key wins, he has also had games where command issues led to early exits and elevated pitch counts. Over the season, his walk rate has remained on the higher side, often putting him in high-stress situations that can spiral out of control. For a Yankees team aiming to maximize efficiency in October, reliability becomes just as important as raw talent.
One of the main reasons Gil may be passed over for Game 3 is the Yankees’ improved starting rotation depth. With Gerrit Cole entrenched as the unquestioned ace, and Carlos Rodón bouncing back with a strong campaign, New York already has a formidable one-two punch. Behind them, Clarke Schmidt and Nestor Cortes have emerged as viable postseason options, offering more stability and postseason experience than Gil.
The Yankees’ front office and coaching staff appear intent on leaning toward pitchers with proven track records under playoff pressure. While Gil’s upside is undeniable, the postseason is less about potential and more about consistency. A shaky outing in Game 3 could swing the momentum of a series, something the Yankees want to avoid at all costs.
Another factor in the decision may come down to matchups. Depending on who the Yankees face, managers often prefer pitchers who line up best against the opposing team’s offensive tendencies. Gil’s profile—a hard-throwing right-hander who occasionally struggles with control—might not fare as well against lineups stacked with patient hitters who thrive on extending at-bats. In contrast, Schmidt’s groundball tendencies or Cortes’ deceptive left-handed delivery might be more suitable for neutralizing certain lineups.
Not starting in Game 3 does not necessarily mean Gil will be sidelined. In fact, his electric stuff could make him an invaluable weapon out of the bullpen. His fastball-slider combination plays up in shorter stints, where his command issues become less glaring and his velocity can spike. In recent postseasons across MLB, we’ve seen teams deploy young starters as relief aces—think of David Price, Chris Sale, or even Nathan Eovaldi in years past. Gil could slide into that role, providing New York with a high-leverage arm capable of changing the course of a game.
The Yankees’ cautious approach may also reflect their investment in Gil’s future. At just 27, he still has time to develop into a more reliable fixture in the rotation. Throwing him into the cauldron of a postseason start, with the weight of the Bronx on his shoulders, could be counterproductive if he falters. The Yankees seem intent on managing his development carefully, while maximizing their immediate chances to advance deep into October.
