NEW YORK -- Luis Gil made another key step Tuesday in his methodical return to the Yankees' roster.
The 2024 American League Rookie of the Year Award winner began his Minor League rehab assignment at High-A Hudson Valley, notching a one-inning start in his first appearance since going on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation while at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 8.
Gil allowed a leadoff hit on the first pitch that he threw against High-A Wilmington, but he then immediately forced a pop-out to the second baseman on the following pitch. The right-hander allowed the next batter to reach on a single before settling in to retire the next two he faced, notching a strikeout to end his outing.
Encouragingly, Gil pounded the zone, throwing 12 of his 13 pitches for strikes against the five batters he faced. He is slated to throw in another rehab outing in four days as the club brings him back up to speed and monitors how his shoulder bounces back.
On Tuesday, manager Aaron Boone left Gil’s potential role with the big league club up in the air, with the time crunch of the dwindling regular season working against Gil. Boone said that Gil could “potentially” slot into the bullpen if he returns to the Yankees, but Gil’s outlook largely seems to still be determined.
It has been an off-kilter season for Gil, who was looking to recapture his stunning 2024 form after a truncated, injury-riddled ‘25 campaign. Gil began the season at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with the Yankees employing a four-man rotation to start the year. He made just one appearance at Triple-A before getting recalled to make four starts with the Yankees, going 1-2 with a 6.05 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP, before being optioned on April 27.