Yankees Give Surprising Update on Former Rookie of the Year

The Yankees have been tight-lipped about Luis Gil’s recovery from a lat strain, so it was a bit of a surprise Sunday when GM Brian Cashman offered a clear update — yes, Gil will pitch this year. Speaking on MLB Network Radio’s Front Office Show, Cashman confirmed the right-hander is on track for a mid-summer return.

Gil suffered the lat strain late in spring training and was shut down in March, a tough blow for a rotation already reeling from Gerrit Cole’s season-ending Tommy John surgery. After missing nearly two full seasons recovering from his own Tommy John procedure, Gil’s 2024 comeback was impressive. He posted a 15–7 record with a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts over 151.2 innings in 29 starts, setting a Yankees rookie record with 14 strikeouts in a single game and earning AL Pitcher of the Month honors in May.

Gil’s consistency was remarkable, allowing three or fewer runs in 22 starts and holding hitters to a .189 batting average, second-best among MLB pitchers with at least 150 innings. He was the first Yankee to win Rookie of the Year since Aaron Judge in 2017.

As Gil progresses toward mound work this week, the Yankees are cautiously optimistic his presence could stabilize their rotation during the critical midseason stretch.