As the 2025 season rolls on, Yankees fans may need to reflect more fondly on Luis Gil’s breakout performance last year. Despite a midseason injury and limited impact in October, the right-hander still delivered an impressive 151 2/3 innings and earned AL Rookie of the Year honors, cementing his place in the Yankees’ future rotation plans.
Unfortunately, that future has hit another speed bump.
Gil was initially diagnosed with a high-grade lat strain before even taking the mound this spring. Although that diagnosis was actually considered somewhat positive compared to other possible shoulder-related outcomes, it still came with a six-week no-throw period. Most fans were realistic that Gil’s return wouldn’t happen until at least midseason, with an optimistic outlook pointing to early June.
However, the Yankees have now decided to delay Gil’s throwing progression by another 10 days after a follow-up shoulder evaluation, manager Aaron Boone confirmed. Boone stressed that the delay is due to the current stage of Gil’s healing process, and that his overall rehab is “going fine.”
Once cleared to throw again, Gil will still need the equivalent of a full spring training to ramp up his arm strength before rejoining the rotation, further pushing back his timeline.
This development, while not a major change from previous expectations, underscores how cautious the Yankees are being with one of their most promising young arms.
For the Yankees to unlock their full post-Gerrit Cole potential this season, the goal remains to field a rotation that includes Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil, and potentially a midseason acquisition. Until that group is healthy and active, it’s difficult to assess New York’s true ceiling as contenders.
While there’s still hope Gil could return in June, the All-Star break continues to feel like a more realistic target.
