Yankees May Need Luis Gil Sooner than Expected After his Latest Rehab Start

On a night the New York Yankees could not find an emergency starter, they got some hope that reinforcements are on the way. Luis Gil got through his second minor league rehab start on Friday. The right-hander went 3⅓ innings, allowing two runs on two hits, including a solo homer by Rockies prospect Charlie Condon in the first inning. He struck out 7, walked 2, and threw 50 pitches. 

It’s far from the debut everyone wants, but at least it is another step in the right direction.  Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network reports Gil “expects one more rehab start before the Yankees sit down to decide what’s next.”

The 2024 AL Rookie of the Year, going 15–7 with a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts over 151⅔ innings, earning the first ROY honor for a Yankee pitcher since 1981

But this year has been brutal. Gil has been out all season with a high-grade lat strain — one of several injuries that have battered New York’s starting staff. 

Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt are both out after having Tommy John surgery.  Cam Schlittler had biceps soreness, and Max Fried is dealing with a blister.  The rotation is dangerously thin with Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, Will Warren and whoever gets healthy first. 

The rotation is so thin that the Yankees were forced to start Ian Hamilton Friday night and go through their bullpen, which was already stretched pretty thin. 

Gil’s return is a two-way pressure moment — not just to prove he’s healthy, but to give the Yankees a trusted arm down the stretch. One strong rehab outing in hand could change everything.