The reigning American League Rookie of the Year is inching closer toward a return.
After breaking out with the New York Yankees to earn the award following an electric 2024 campaign, Luis Gil has been working his way back from a strained lat he suffered in spring training.
The 26-year-old hasn't been on the mound since the Yankees announced his injury in February, but that's set to change later this week.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters before Monday's game against the Los Angeles Angels that Gil is slated to throw off the mound for the first time Friday.
The Yankees could use Gil's electric arm back in the rotation after his promising rookie campaign. The Dominican Republic native went 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA, 171 strikeouts, 77 walks and a 1.19 WHIP in 151.2 innings across 29 starts.
Considering the Yankees are already without Gerrit Cole, the return of Gil will be a massive boost to the starting rotation.
The Yankees will take their time with Gil's rehab, but this is a positive step in the right direction for the young hurler.