As the Yankees struggle—losing seven of their last eight games—any positive development offers hope. That arrived Saturday, when right-hander Luis Gil faced live hitters for the first time since spring training, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a serious lat strain suffered in February.
The 27-year-old hurler looked strong during the session, throwing to bullpen catcher Peter Serruto and team staffer Ryan McLaughlin. Most encouragingly, his fastball velocity stayed in the mid-90s, not far from his 2024 average of 96.6 mph. According to Yankees insider Bryan Hoch, this signals that Gil’s power and form are coming back quickly.
While the progress is real, Gil is still weeks away from a major league return. Manager Aaron Boone said he’ll need several more live batting practice sessions, followed by a lengthy minor league rehab assignment. That means fans shouldn’t expect him back until late July or August.
Boone compared Gil’s return to a “trade deadline addition”—a phrase that’s drawn skepticism from fans in the past. However, Gil isn’t just any pitcher. He’s the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, who posted a 3.50 ERA with 171 strikeouts over 144 innings in 2024. His elite fastball-slider combo and mound presence make him a vital potential asset behind Max Fried and Carlos Rodón.
With the Yankees searching for answers in the middle of their rotation, Gil’s return could bring both stability and firepower at a critical point in the season. He may not fix everything, but he represents a turning point, possibly reigniting a roster in need of fresh energy and hope.
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