April 10, 2026

New York Yankees right-hander Luis Gil will make his 2026 season debut for the Yankees and start against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Gil was initially sent to the minors to begin the year because the Yankees didn't need a fifth starter for the first few weeks of the season. There will be plenty of pressure for Gil to perform, as his spot in the rotation could be in jeopardy once left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow) is ready to return after having left-elbow surgery in the offseason. He had mixed results in his outing for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits while walking three and striking out six. Gil's fastball topped out at 96 mph, three mph slower than his hardest pitch in spring training. The cold weather could have played a factor, but the most interesting development was that Gil threw his sinker the most. It's a pitch he debuted in spring training, and the Yankees think the pitch could become a difference-maker for him. The Yankees have also worked on Gil having a higher release point, which they think gives his fastball more deception. A lack of a quality heater derailed Gil's 2025 season after he returned from a lat strain, but if he can improve there and also get more swing and miss with his sinker, a bounce-back in 2026 is possible.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner