The New York Yankees are close to getting a major boost to their pitching staff. Right-hander Luis Gil is set to throw live batting practice Tuesday at Double-A Somerset.

If all goes well, his minor league rehab assignment could begin as early as Sunday, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.

Gil has been sidelined since spring training due to a right lat strain. After weeks of bullpen sessions, Tuesday’s live BP — expected to be around 35 pitches — marks his most significant step forward yet. The Yankees remain cautious, but Gil’s return could come in late July or early August.

Why Luis Gil’s Return Matters

Gil was a breakout performer for the Yankees in 2024, winning American League Rookie of the Year after going 10–4 with a 3.50 ERA and 141 strikeouts across 132.1 innings. His fastball routinely sat in the high 90s, and his ability to generate swing-and-miss was among the best in the league.

But there were warning signs. His 4.36 xFIP and .237 BABIP suggested he benefited from some luck, and his 12.1% walk rate was among the highest for starters. Still, his 26.8% strikeout rate and overall dominance made him a key part of the Yankees’ long-term plans.

That’s why his potential return is such a big deal. Gil can help the Yankees in several ways — as rotation depth, as a swingman, or even as a multi-inning bullpen weapon. For a team eyeing another deep postseason run, his presence could be crucial down the stretch.

Flexible Role Ahead For Yankees

The Yankees haven’t committed to how Gil will be used once he’s ready, and his rehab assignment will likely determine the path. If the rotation stays healthy, he may be eased in as a reliever. If injuries or fatigue emerge among the starters, Gil could be stretched out and reinserted into the rotation.

Regardless of his role, the Yankees are focused on bringing him back fully healthy. Lat injuries can be tricky, especially for power pitchers with high-effort deliveries. That’s why they’ve taken a deliberate approach with his recovery — and why they’ll continue to monitor his pitch counts and effectiveness closely.

A return before the trade deadline could also influence the team’s strategy in July. If Gil proves ready to contribute, it might reduce the urgency to acquire external pitching help. His versatility and upside make him a valuable in-house option.

Gil’s return hasn’t received much attention yet, but it could loom large in the second half. He has the tools to impact games — a high-velocity fastball, sharp secondary pitches, and the ability to go multiple innings. That combination is rare, especially in a playoff environment.

The Yankees are in strong position in the AL East, but they’ll need all the arms they can get. Gil’s presence would lengthen the staff, create matchup flexibility, and provide insurance as the schedule intensifies.

For now, all eyes are on Tuesday’s live BP. If he clears that hurdle, Sunday’s rehab start could follow quickly. From there, the countdown to his 2025 debut begins — and it might come just in time.

Derek Hryn Derek Hryn is a writer for Heavy.com. He has extensive experience covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, along with providing expert fantasy football analysis for DraftKings and SB Nation. His work has been featured at Sports Illustrated, USA Today, NBC Sports, The New York Post, and others. More about Derek Hryn