The New York Yankees have been without Luis Gil all season, but the reigning American League Rookie of the Year is making his way back to the Yankees rotation.
Gil has been on the injured list with a lat strain he suffered in spring training. Max Fried and Carlos Rodón have carried the load with Gerrit Cole also sidelined for the year. The Athletic’s Yankees insider Chris Kirschner revealed when Gil could make his return to the Yankees.
“Gil threw his first live batting practice this past Saturday,” Kirschner replied to a question about Gil. “His velocity was around 95 mph. He’ll have to throw a few more and then once he graduates from that, he’ll begin his rehab assignment. Because he hasn’t had a spring training, think of his rehab assignment as that. He’ll need several starts in the minors before he’s a consideration to return. They could possibly shorten his rehab assignment and call him up when he reaches 70ish pitches, but they’re going to be cautious with him because he has a few major injuries already in his history. He likely won’t return, if all goes well, until some time in August.”
An August return could be a huge boost for the Yankees as they gear up for a postseason run. Last season, Gil had a 3.50 ERA in 29 starts. Manager Aaron Boone has already described his return as a shot in the arm.
“It is still a ways off, but obviously what he can bring would definitely be a good shot in the arm like one of those trade deadline adds,” Boone told reporters. “Coming off a really special season last year, where he was really special for us.”
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The Yankees are currently holding on to a two-game lead in the American League East over the Tampa Bay Rays. They are tied with the Houston Astros behind the Detroit Tigers for the best record in the American League. However, getting Gil back could be something that helps them get past other contenders in October.
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