New York Yankees Get Welcome Injury News on Forgotten Young Flamethrower

The New York Yankees pitching staff, generally ravaged by injury this season, got some welcome news on Friday regarding a name that hasn't been heard from in more than a year: Luis Gil.

The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:

Gil (elbow) threw live batting practice Friday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

ANALYSIS
It's the first time Gil has faced hitters since he underwent Tommy John surgery last May. The young right-hander has a chance to help the Yankees at some point in the second half, although he might not have enough time to be built back up to contribute as a starter.

It's been "out of sight, out of mind," with regards to Gil over the last year and change. He made only one start with the Yankees in 2022 and pitched just four innings, but in 2021, he came up and impacted the rotation. He threw 29.1 innings over six starts, striking out 38 batters in those 29.1 innings. With that kind of stuff, he certainly could help as a bullpen arm for the stretch run.

While Carlos Rodon is back from injury now, as is reliever Tommy Kahnle, the Yankees are still without Lou Trivino (season) and Frankie Montas (possible season), so Gil coming back could be a major positive.

New York opens up the second half of the season on Friday night against the Colorado Rockies. First pitch from Coors Field is set for 8:40 p.m. ET.

The Yankees are 49-42 and have lost six of their last 10 games.