The Yankees got a much-needed glimpse of brilliance on the mound Friday at Wrigley Field.
With the postseason less than a month away, Aaron Boone will have to sort out his playoff rotation sooner rather than later. Luis Gil made a strong case to be a big part of October in the Bombers’ 3-0 win over the Cubs.
Gil returned from the injured list — after missing time with a lower back strain — and dominated. The right-hander tossed six shutout innings allowing just one hit while striking out seven. The 26-year-old lowered his season ERA down to 3.24. Gil’s fastball velocity was down a tick from his season averages sitting at 95.0 — 1.8 mph lower than his 96.8 season average.
The Yankees’ offense did all of its damage in one inning. Aaron Judge drove in the first run of the game in the top of the third with an RBI double down the left field line. Austin Wells followed up the captain by shooting a two-RBI single to left field giving the Bombers a 3-0 lead.
It would be all that was necessary for the Yanks to grab the victory as the bullpen piggy-backed off of Gil’s dominance. Jake Cousins and Tommy Kahnle both tossed hitless seventh and eight innings registering two strikeouts a piece.
However, the talk of the town has been who would get the final three outs with Clay Holmes — owning a league-leading 11 blown saves — being demoted out of the role. Boone called upon Luke Weaver on Friday to finish the job.
The 31-year-old retired the first two batters with ease, however, he walked Cody Bellinger and got into a battle with Isaac Paredes. Eventually, Paredes rolled the 11th pitch of the at bat to second base as Weaver secured his first career save.
It remains to be seen if Weaver will remain in the role or if the ninth inning will be an open door for everyone.
The Yanks will turn to Clarke Schmidt on Saturday to try and secure the series victory. The right-hander has been out since May 26th due to a lat injury, however, he was in the midst of a breakout season. The 28-year-old owns a 2.52 ERA in 11 starts and will make a strong big to be a part of the playoff rotation. Javier Assad will take the ball for Craig Counsell’s squad.
