Yankees' Luis Gil to Start Game 1 of ALDS vs. Blue Jays, Aaron Boone Says

Right-handed pitcher Luis Gil, the 2024 American League Rookie of the Year, will start for the New York Yankees on Saturday in Game 1 of the American League Division Series at the Toronto Blue Jays.

Manager Aaron Boone revealed the news to reporters at his press conference on Friday.

"Just feel like he's ready for this, he's in line for it," Boone said. "Decided for now we wanna keep [Will Warren] an option in the [bullpen] and feel like Luis is ready to go."

The 27-year-old Gil was diagnosed with a high-grade right lat strain in early March. He missed the first four months of the season before making his 2025 season debut on Aug. 3.

For the year, Gil made 11 starts, going 4-1 with a 3.32 ERA (1.40 WHIP). Gil struck out 41 batters over 57.0 innings.

Last season, Gil made 29 starts, going 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA (1.19 WHIP) while striking out 171 batters in 151.2 innings. He struggled in the playoffs, posting a 6.75 ERA over two starts (four innings pitched per outing).

With Gil starting Game 1, the Yankees could roll out Max Fried in Game 2 and Carlos Rodón in Game 3.

Rookie Cam Schlittler, who struck out 12 batters over eight shutout innings in a 4-0 win over the Boston Red Sox to close out the American League Wild Card Series on Thursday, would then start Game 4 of the best-of-five series (if necessary).

If the series goes to a winner-take-all Game 5, Fried would be available on full rest to take the ball again.