Sometimes the best endorsements come straight from within the clubhouse. As the New York Yankees prepare for a season that’s full of twists and turns right out of the gate, one big question mark was answered with surprising clarity. Luis Gil, the oft-injured electric hurler, is taking the fifth starter spot after Gerrit Cole’s injury. But is this a feel-good story in the making or a stop-gap measure?

Veteran Marcus Stroman, recently acquired by the Bombers on a $37 million, 2-year deal, isn’t hedging his bets. He dropped some serious praise on his teammate today, putting the league on notice. Could this be the start of a breakout season for Gil and a potential turning point for the Yankees’ rotation?

Surprise spring leads to Starting role for Luis Gil

“He’s electric. Plus-plus-plus heater..he was running thru some really good lineups all spring & that shows u the explosiveness of that heater. Ive always been a fan of Gil. To see him in the rotation & healthy,it’s awesome. I think he can go out there & dominate,” Stroman told Erik Boland, a Yankees Beat writer. Boland’s tweet lit up the Bombers’ Twitter, underscoring the quiet excitement brewing around Gil.

Luis Gil’s emergence is undoubtedly the feel-good story of the Yankees’ Spring Training. Manager Aaron Boone admits that Gil’s strong showing caught them by surprise, especially following his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

“I’m excited about where he was health-wise, but I didn’t necessarily expect him to be that far along from a polish standpoint,” Boone says. “He’s done a great job.”

Gil wrapped up his spring with an impressive outing against the New York Mets, further solidifying his spot in the rotation. The Yankees’ decision to go with Luis Gil means leaving some other talented candidates like Will Warren in the minors, at least for now, with the big question looming over Gil’s exciting start being how long he’ll remain in the rotation.

The future is bright… But how long will Gil Start for?

While Boone dismisses any idea of the team putting Luis Gil on an innings limit, it’s likely that the Yankees will closely monitor his workload as the season progresses. After all, he’s coming off major surgery, and the team will want to ensure his long-term health.

Adding to the intrigue is the eventual return of ace Gerrit Cole. When Cole is healthy, he’ll immediately reclaim his top spot in the rotation. The Yankees undeniably made a major investment in Cole and will be counting on him in the pressure cooker of the regular season and beyond. So, Luis Gil’s hold on the starting spot could be short-lived.

Read More: It’s Power vs. Arsenal as Luis Gil, Will Warren Compete for Yankees’ Rotation Vacancy

Does this mean a return to the bullpen for the young pitcher, or does this impressive spring performance position him for a longer-term rotation role down the line? Only time will tell, but Gil’s performance this spring is sure to be a major talking point as the season unfolds.