Yankees' Aaron Boone Says Luis Gil Would Be 'Trade Deadline Add' Amid Injury Rehab

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone referred to the return of starting pitcher Luis Gil as a "trade deadline add" when speaking to reporters on Saturday.

"Obviously, what he could bring, would definitely be a good shot in the arm and maybe one of those trade deadline adds," Boone said.

Gil hasn't made his season debut yet after suffering a high-grade lat strain ahead of his 2025 campaign.

While the exact date that he's planning to come back is still unclear, Boone previously said that the 27-year-old returning to the mound in late July is "reasonable" (via SNY's Garrett Stepien).

Gil made progress in his recovery on Saturday, as he threw 20 pitches in his first live batting practice session since suffering the injury.

“I felt really good out there,” Gil said afterwards, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. “It’s been a process; you heal, little by little. It felt good to get on the mound and face some hitters.”

The right-hander is coming off an impressive 2024 campaign, earning American League Rookie of the Year honors.

In 29 starts, Gil owned a 15-7 record while posting a 3.50 ERA and 1.193 WHIP. He also racked up 171 strikeouts in 151.2 innings of work.

With ace Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Gil's presence should instantly improve New York's rotation.

While Boone views his return as a trade addition, the Yankees could also be active and look to improve their lineup ahead of the July 31 deadline.

New York still sits atop the AL East with a 43-32 record, but has lost seven of its previous eight games. The Yankees have also compiled a mere .700 OPS as a team over the past 15 days, the ninth-worst mark in the majors across that span.