The reigning American League Rookie of the Year is on the path back to the Major Leagues, and his impending return couldn't come at a better time for the Yankees.
Luis Gil began a rehab assignment on Sunday for Double-A Somerset. Gil, who has been out all season because of a lat strain sustained in Spring Training, was limited to 50 pitches, but he made the most of them.
The 27-year-old Gil struck out six batters in 3 1/3 innings, surrendering a run on two hits and a walk. Gil's fastball reached 97 mph, and he threw 36 strikes to just 14 balls.
Gil's return to the Yankees' rotation will be a welcome sight in light of recent events. Prized free-agent signing Max Fried left his Saturday start after three innings and 73 pitches because of a blister on his left index finger.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Gil's rehab will be a methodical process as the right-hander builds back strength and stamina. He can remain on the assignment for up to 30 days.
Right-hander Clarke Schmidt underwent successful elbow reconstruction surgery on Friday and could be out until 2027. Marcus Stroman recently returned from a 2 1/2 month stint on the injured list with knee inflammation, and he has allowed six runs in 15 innings since rejoining the Yankees.
Fried and Schmidt, along with All-Star Carlos Rodón, have been stabilizing forces in a rotation already missing reigning American League Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, who underwent elbow surgery in March and is in the middle of a planned 14-month recovery.
Gil finally reached the Majors to stay last year after signing with the Twins as an international free agent in 2015 and making brief appearances for the Yankees in 2021 and 2022. He proved worth the wait, winning 15 games and striking out 171 batters in 151 2/3 innings for a Yankees team that reached the World Series.