The New York Yankees are hoping to see a quick return for star rookie pitcher Luis Gil.
On the 15-day injured list since Aug. 21 with a lower back strain, Gil has been slowly working his way back for a potential return.
The breakout rookie threw a live bullpen earlier this week, and manager Aaron Boone provided an update saying Gil could make a rehab start this weekend depending on how he recovers, according to Gary Phillips of The New York Daily News.
Gil finds himself in the conversation for the Rookie of the Year award, along with teammate Austin Wells, if he can return healthy for the final month of the season.
Entering Friday, Gil is 12-6 with a 3.39 ERA, 144 strikeouts and 66 walks across 124.2 innings pitched this season.
The hard-throwing righty got off to an incredible start to the season. Through his first 14 starts, Gil was 9-1 with a 2.03 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 80 innings pitched.
However, he's proven to be a bit more human over the last two months. In his last 10 starts, Gil is 3-5 with a 5.84 ERA, 48 strikeouts and 27 walks in 44.2 innings.
Regardless, the Yankees need Gil back in the rotation. His replacement, fellow rookie Will Warren, has struggled immensely during his short time in the majors this season. The 25-year-old is 0-2 with a 9.58 ERA, 23 strikeouts, six walks and a 1.81 WHIP in four starts across 17.2 innings.
What the Yankees plan to do with their starting rotation in the playoffs remains to be seen, but they will want Gil in the conversation.
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