Luis Gil takes over as AL Rookie of the Year favorite with impressive start

Oddsmakers are giving Luis Gil his flowers. 

The Yankees sensation has taken over as the American League Rookie of the Year favorite (+115, BetMGM Sportsbook) after a historically dominant start to his career. 

Gil, who has filled Gerrit Cole’s spot in the Yankees’ rotation and then some after he was shut down with an elbow injury in spring, has been one of the best pitchers in baseball through two-plus months. 

The Dominican Republic native pushed his record to 8-1 with a win over the Twins on Tuesday night, striking out six batters while allowing just one hit and three walks over six innings. 

Gil has posted an AL-leading 1.82 ERA with 85 strikeouts over 69 ⅓ innings in a beginning to the season no one besides the 26-year-old himself saw coming. 

Most importantly, Gil has helped the Yankees to an AL-best 43-19 start without their top pitcher in Cole. 

Over the past month or so, Gil has rocketed to the top of the AL Rookie of the Year conversation after being a complete afterthought not long ago.

American League Rookie of the Year odds

Before the season, Gil was given virtually zero shot at the award, with BetMGM having him “off the board” before Opening Day. 

In mid-May, before striking out 14 in a start against the Mariners, Gil was still a long shot at +1800. 

By late last month, Gil had jumped to +380, although that still trailed A’s closer Mason Miller and Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser. 

But after a couple more solid starts, oddsmakers couldn’t resist making Gil the favorite. 

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The right-hander has even gained some traction in the AL Cy Young race. 

After Tuesday’s outing, Gil is down to +2000 to win the award, which is tied with two other pitchers for the seventh-best odds in the league. 

A couple of weeks ago, Gil was sitting at +4000, the 11th-best odds in the Junior Circuit.