New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone gave glowing updates regarding the recovery process of staple starter Luis Gil in a media interview. The right-handed pitcher who had an incredible season with the Bronx Bombers last year hasn’t made his debut in the 2025 MLB season since suffering a high-grade lat strain ahead of the opening day.
Gil recently faced live batters for the first time since spending a lengthy stint on the injured list (IL), which is a positive sign for the American League pennant holders, but the exact date of his return to the starting rotation remains unclear. However, the team’s skipper told the media that Gil’s plausible return to the bullpen is expected by the end of July.
Yankees Skipper Feels a Healthy Luis Gil Will Be Like a Trade Deadline Addition
Speaking to the media, the Yankees skipper gave some positive health updates regarding the 27-year-old Dominican strikeout artist. Gil, who was sent to the 60-day IL in March, was finally in the latter stages of the recovery process when he faced live batters during his first pitching practice this season.
Reflecting on the progress, Boone said, “Yeah, I mean it is still ways off [from a full return], but yes, you know, knowing what he can bring would be a good shot in the arm, and you know, kind of maybe one of those trade deadline adds. You know, coming off a special season last year where he [Gil] was so important for us, and I think he just went through a lot of really good growth moments.”
He continued by adding, “From winning the Rookie of the Year and having an outstanding year, he had some struggles along the way, too, and kind of navigated those, and I think he grew from those things. Now going through an injury to where, you know, not necessarily a major injury or surgical injury, but certainly an injury that cost him enough time. You know, those things can be learning things too for young players.”
Aaron Boone says the Yankees see Luis Gil as a “trade deadline add” pic.twitter.com/M9yLzGBIso
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 21, 2025
Gil was highly influential for the Bombers last year, winning AL Rookie of the Year honors and finishing the regular season with a 15-7 record, with a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts in 29 starts. The talented Dominican’s addition to the bullpen will increase the depth of the starting rotation.
The Yankees lost a total of six games out of the seven played in a back-to-back series defeat against the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels. On Friday, June 20, they continued their seven-game homestand by welcoming AL East rivals the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game series at Yankee Stadium.
While the visitors took Game 1 (5-3) on Friday night, the Bombers bounced back emphatically to take Game 2, a 9-0 win against the Orioles. The home team will look to carry forward the positive momentum from the shutout victory into the series finale on Sunday, June 22.