Yankees injury update: Gil, DJ, Lo up, Stro and Stanton down, Beeter steps up
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Follow UsYankees injury update sees progress with Gil, Loaisiga, Beeter, and LeMahieu while Stroman and Stanton status still unclear.
The New York Yankees, navigating the opening stretch of the 2025 campaign, are receiving encouraging news from their medical department. Several sidelined contributors are making meaningful strides toward returning to action, potentially bolstering a roster already competing at a high level despite significant absences. From last season’s standout rookie Luis Gil to established veterans DJ LeMahieu and Giancarlo Stanton, reinforcements appear to be on the horizon for the Bronx Bombers.
Gil cleared to begin throwing program
The Yankees’ rotation received promising news as Luis Gil prepares to initiate his throwing program this weekend. Gil, sidelined since early spring training with a severe lat strain, has finally obtained medical clearance to begin light throwing on Sunday, according to manager Aaron Boone. The young right-hander experienced a setback when a recent imaging scan indicated insufficient healing, delaying his recovery timeline. Now, with medical approval, Gil can take his initial steps toward returning to competition.
“Excited,” Boone said. “Good, important step in the process and hopefully it just continues to go well.”
Gil, who captured AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, faces an extended buildup period that includes gradually increasing throwing intensity, progressing to mound work, and eventually completing minor league rehabilitation outings. His absence, coupled with Gerrit Cole’s unavailability, initially created vulnerability in the Yankees’ starting staff, which briefly held baseball’s worst rotation ERA. Recent improvements—a collective 2.81 ERA over their past 11 contests—have stabilized the pitching situation. Gil’s potential mid-season return could provide crucial reinforcement as the pennant race intensifies.
Loaisiga begins rehab assignment
The Yankees’ already formidable bullpen stands to improve further with Jonathan Loaisiga launching his rehabilitation assignment. Loáisiga delivered a perfect inning for Class-A Tampa on Saturday, recording one strikeout while requiring just 10 pitches. This appearance marked his first game action since undergoing elbow surgery in April 2024.
“I know how well he’s looked really since I’ve had eyes on him the last couple months through his bullpens and lives and stuff,” Yankees manager Boone said. “So it seems like yesterday was another good step.”
Loaisiga, who rejoined the Yankees this winter on a one-year, $5 million contract, is expected to utilize much of his 30-day rehabilitation window to rebuild stamina and sharpness. Boone emphasized his potential impact, noting, “When Lo’s been healthy and at his best, he’s a weapon. I look at it as getting another high-end, high-leverage, really good pitcher back there.”
Throughout the past four seasons, Loaisiga has compiled an impressive 2.89 ERA with 115 strikeouts across 140 1/3 innings, though persistent elbow and shoulder issues have limited his availability. His return would further strengthen New York’s late-inning options.
LeMahieu advancing through rehab games
Infielder DJ LeMahieu continues making steady progress recovering from a left calf strain suffered during his first spring training appearance. LeMahieu recently completed consecutive games with Double-A Somerset, collecting six hits in ten at-bats, including a home run, over four contests.
His rehabilitation assignment will transition to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this week, where he’ll resume defensive duties at third base after initially working at second. Boone indicated LeMahieu’s workload will intensify beginning Tuesday, with the Yankees anticipating his return to the major league roster in the near future.
Stanton’s timeline still fluid
Giancarlo Stanton, battling dual elbow issues, continues his methodical recovery process. Initial projections suggested a Memorial Day return, but recent updates point toward early June as a more realistic target. Despite lingering uncertainty regarding his exact timetable, the Yankees slugger has resumed batting practice activities, representing a significant milestone in his rehabilitation.
Though the lineup misses Stanton’s formidable power presence, the organization maintains a cautious approach, ensuring complete recovery before reinstating him to competitive action.
Beeter showing better signs
Right-handed Yankees rookie reliever Clayton Beeter, recovering from a right shoulder impingement, demonstrated progress in his rehabilitation efforts. After struggling Wednesday when he surrendered three runs while recording just one out, Beeter rebounded impressively Saturday with Double-A Somerset, delivering 1.2 scoreless frames with two strikeouts while showcasing velocity in the upper 90s.
Beeter initiated his rehab assignment in Tampa, contributing 1.1 scoreless innings on April 20. His next assignment—whether continuing with Somerset or transferring elsewhere—remains undetermined as the Yankees closely monitor his development.
Stroman stalled
While several Yankees trend positively, starting pitcher Marcus Stroman remains hampered by left knee inflammation. Sidelined since April 12, Stroman continues experiencing discomfort in the affected area. Boone confirmed Stroman won’t be activated when eligible, explaining he is “still feeling some things,” leaving his eventual return date undefined.
Outlook and competitive implications
Despite navigating this injury landscape, the Yankees have maintained a competitive standing, largely through improved rotation performance and bullpen consistency. As pivotal contributors like Gil, Loáisiga, LeMahieu, and Stanton approach their returns, the team could receive a significant mid-season injection of talent that enhances their pursuit of American League East supremacy.
The organization’s depth and adaptability have withstood early challenges, and with reinforcements progressing, the Yankees appear positioned to strengthen its credentials as a championship contender.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Having been stupid in getting rid of Gomez, only Loaisiga is guarantees spot in the Yankees bullpen when he finishes his rehab assignment. Beeter? Who knows? Cashman won’t necessarily DFA a veteran reliever for a kid who still has options left, even if he shows that he is ready.