Yankees rotation to get boost on Friday

The New York Yankees entered the 2026 season with a four-man rotation. Their fifth starter is set to return at the perfect time.

Bryan Hoch from MLB.com reported that Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that pitcher Luis Gil is expected to return to the rotation on Friday. He will make one more rehab outing on Sunday before potentially being activated ahead of their game against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

Gil had established himself as a key part of the Yankees rotation in 2024. He posted a 3.50 ERA and a 1.193 WHIP over his 151.2 innings, striking out 171 batters with 77 walks en route to being named the American League Rookie of the Year.

Luis Gil's projected return is perfect timing for the Yankees

Gil made only 11 appearances for the Yankees in 2025 as he missed nearly four months with a strained right lat. He posted a 3.32 ERA, albeit with a 1.404 WHIP over his 57 innings, striking out 41 batters with 33 walks. Gil showed improved control during spring training, striking out 20 batters while only issuing five walks in 19.1 innings, but he also allowed six home runs.

The Yankees' schedule sets up perfectly for Gil to return to the rotation in his regular spot. Several off days at the beginning of the year allowed New York to go forward with a quartet of Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren and Ryan Weathers in the rotation as the Yankees would not need a fifth starter until Friday. Gil will slot in behind Weathers as the Yankees get closer to being at full strength.