AL East Shuffle: Gil’s Role in Doubt, Bastardo’s Rule 5 Status, Lux’s Comeback
The Yankees will field a four-man rotation (Fried, Schlittler, Warren, Weathers) for the season’s first 13 days, leaving Luis Gil in an awkward fifth-starter spot or possibly piggybacking or staying in the minors; his 2025 peripherals suggest a decline despite a 2024 Rookie of the Year past. Toronto trimmed its bullpen, with Tommy Nance making the team while Angel Bastardo (plus Yariel Rodriguez and Jorge Alcala) won’t open the season on the roster, leaving Bastardo’s Rule 5 rights potentially needing a return trade or deal. Gavin Lux of the Rays is still dealing with shoulder and prior oblique issues but returned to the lineup as Opening Day nears; with limited spring games, manager Kevin Cash says they must get him ready, and a potential 10-day IL could push for adding depth in Richie Palacios or other infield options.