The New York Yankees are delaying Luis Gil‘s return from a high-grade lat strain following a recent shoulder re-evaluation, manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Wednesday. Originally, Gil was set to begin his throwing program this week, but now he will need to wait another 10 days before testing his arm.
Gil’s delayed return
Boone explained that the delay is not due to a new injury or a significant setback but rather due to Gil’s “level of healing.” He reassured that the recovery is progressing as expected, but additional time is needed before Gil can resume throwing. “Yes, it’s going fine,” Boone said. “We just think we need another 10 days. So, he’ll probably start in about 10 days. It’s just the level of healing. It’s got to get, I don’t know, to 80 percent. There are checkmarks before you start the throwing program. So, it’s going how it should. We just need another 10 days.”
Gil, 26, has not pitched this season after experiencing shoulder discomfort during a bullpen session in spring training. When the injury was initially disclosed in February, the Yankees placed Gil on a no-throw program, with an expected recovery period of at least six weeks. At the time, a return before midsummer was viewed as optimistic, and now with this latest delay, it appears that timeline will likely stretch into late summer.
Once Gil is cleared to begin throwing, he will need a full spring training ramp-up. A return by early June remains possible, but the Yankees are now targeting the All-Star Break as a more realistic goal for Gil’s return to the mound.
The Yankees’ rotation has struggled significantly this season, currently holding the worst ERA in baseball. With this in mind, the absence of Gil has placed even more pressure on the team’s pitching staff to perform, particularly as the team is fighting to stay competitive in the American League East. Gil’s eventual return is expected to provide depth and stability to the rotation, but for now, his extended recovery timeline leaves the Yankees searching for other solutions.
Jonathan Loaisiga’s progress
In another injury update, reliever Jonathan Loaisiga is making progress in his recovery from elbow inflammation. Loaisiga threw live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, a significant step in his rehab. According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, Loaisiga is set to continue his throwing program in Tampa and could begin a minor league rehab assignment after two more outings.
Loaisiga has not appeared in a game this season, and his return could provide a much-needed boost to the Yankees’ bullpen. Boone noted that Loaisiga is “traveling to Tampa to continue throwing” and is expected to be “probably 2 outings from Minor League rehab.”
With the Yankees’ pitching staff under intense scrutiny this season, Loaisiga’s potential return could help shore up the bullpen. His ability to contribute in late-game situations could provide the Yankees with some stability, especially as they continue to work through injuries and underperformance from other pitchers.
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