Luis Gil set for Yankees return with hopefully vintage form

The New York Yankees are preparing to welcome back Luis Gil to the rotation on Friday, but there are questions about which version of the pitcher will show up. Will it be the dominant 2024 Rookie of the Year who was untouchable on the mound, or the 2025 version who struggled with injuries and a decrease in velocity and stuff?

Gil will have the opportunity to answer those questions when he takes the mound in St. Petersburg to start a series where the Yankees will need a fifth starter for the first time this season. The 27-year-old had a shaky spring training, which led to him starting the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

However, Gil showed promise in his last start in the Grapefruit League against the Orioles, where his velocity ticked up. In his most recent start with SWB, he allowed three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out six in 4 ²/₃ innings. Despite some struggles with command in the first inning, Gil managed to control contact well throughout the game.

One interesting development in Gil’s pitch mix was the introduction of a sinker, a pitch he had not previously used in his major league career. This addition could provide a different look for hitters and help his other pitches play up.

The Yankees are in the midst of a stretch of 13 games in 13 days, which means Gil is likely to make at least two starts in the rotation. Whether he stays in the majors beyond that will depend on his performance and health throughout the season.

In other Yankees news, Paul Goldschmidt sat out a game against left-handed pitching, giving Ben Rice a start at first base. Goldschmidt is expected to return to the lineup against another lefty on Friday. The Yankees’ starting pitchers have been impressive, allowing the fewest runs through 12 games in franchise history.

Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole are progressing in their recoveries, with Rodón throwing a bullpen session and Cole set to throw a simulated game. The Yankees also made a roster move, designating reliever Cade Winquest for assignment before he pitched in a game. If Winquest clears waivers, he will be offered back to the Cardinals, his original team.

Overall, the Yankees have a lot of moving parts as they navigate the early part of the season, with Gil’s return to the rotation being a key storyline to watch.