Yankees’ Luis Gil Takes Huge Step with First Bullpen Since February

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated May 30, 2025 10:03 PM ET

Luis Gil is making real progress in his recovery. On Friday, the Yankees’ young lefty threw a 15-pitch bullpen session at Dodger Stadium — his first time on the mound since late February. Manager Aaron Boone said everything went well, a promising sign after Gil’s lengthy absence due to a high-grade lat strain.

Gil was placed on the 60-day injured list back in March.

Since then, the Yankees have been very cautious and deliberate with his rehab, knowing how critical he was to their rotation last season. The bullpen session is a key milestone and test as Gil works his way back toward game action.

Gil’s 2024 season was a breakthrough.

The left-hander posted a 15-7 record with a solid 3.50 ERA over 151⅔ innings, striking out 171 batters. His performance earned him the American League Rookie of the Year award. He was the first Yankees pitcher to win the honor since Dave Righetti in 1981 and the first Yankee since Aaron Judge in 2017.

The Yankees are counting on Gil to rejoin the rotation and provide the kind of innings and quality starts they need as the AL East battle heats up. With Gerrit Cole out for the season after elbow surgery, getting Gil back healthy would be a big boost.

The Yankees are hoping that Gil can rejoin them around the All-Star break.

For now, this bullpen session marks a positive step in what’s been a long road back. The Yankees and their fans will be hoping it’s the start of Gil regaining his 2024 form and helping the team down the stretch.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: